Business Details
42 Years
experience
Your Trusted Catering Partner in New Orleans
Southern Hospitality Catering has been redefining event dining for over four decades. Founded in 1984 by John Rowland, our company combines deep culinary expertise with a commitment to personalized service. Our executive chef, Max Bouzaid, and leadership team bring decades of collective experience in crafting menus that transform events into memorable experiences. As proud members of the International Caterers Association and CaterSource, we maintain rigorous industry standards while serving New Orleans and surrounding regions.Our full-service approach handles every detail from menu customization to event staffing, ensuring stress-free planning for weddings, corporate functions, and private celebrations. With a fleet of professional chefs, bartenders, and coordinators, we deliver consistent excellence that has earned us recognition as the area's premier catering service.
Services
Event Catering
Corporate Catering
Wedding Catering
Seasonal Menus
Event Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of catering experience with a proven track record of excellence
- Award-winning executive chef specializing in customized event menus
- Full-service operation including professional staff and rental equipment
- Recognized as New Orleans' premier catering service by industry peers
- Comprehensive event management from planning to execution
Associations and certifications
- International Caterers Association
- Catersource
- New Orleans Metropolitan Visitors and Convention Bureau
What people say
Best catering service
Delicious food
Professional staff
Stress-free planning
Exceptional execution
Services
Event Catering
Our comprehensive event catering service handles every detail from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations. With customizable menus featuring Creole and contemporary cuisine, professional service staff, and full rental capabilities, we ensure flawless execution for weddings, anniversaries, and private parties. Our team works closely with clients to create unique dining experiences tailored to their event's theme and guest preferences.
Corporate Catering
Specializing in corporate functions from breakfast meetings to executive retreats, we provide gourmet dining solutions that impress clients and employees alike. Our offerings include breakfast buffets, plated luncheons, cocktail receptions, and holiday parties with premium presentation. We accommodate dietary restrictions and provide professional service staff to ensure smooth execution for companies of all sizes.
Seasonal Menus
Our seasonal menu program features specialty dishes for holidays and local celebrations throughout the year. From traditional Thanksgiving dinners to Mardi Gras festivities, we offer both delivery and full-service options. Menus include classic Southern dishes with modern twists, featuring locally sourced ingredients at their peak freshness for optimal flavor and presentation.
Event Rentals
We provide complete rental solutions including tables, linens, china, glassware, and floral arrangements to complement any event. Our inventory supports both formal sit-down dinners and casual gatherings, with options ranging from basic necessities to premium decorative elements. Our team ensures proper quantities and setup to match each event's specific needs.
Beverage Services
Our full-service beverage program includes premium liquor bars, wine pairings, and specialty cocktails crafted by experienced bartenders. We offer non-alcoholic options, seasonal drinks, and house-made beverages like traditional margaritas and bourbon milk punch. All bars are staffed by licensed professionals with proper service equipment and responsible alcohol management practices.
People
John Rowland
Founder
John Rowland established Southern Hospitality Catering in 1984, bringing decades of culinary expertise and a passion for Southern cuisine. With a background in restaurant management and event planning, he has grown the company into a regional leader while maintaining hands-on involvement in menu development and client relations.
Max Bouzaid
Executive Chef
Executive Chef Max Bouzaid leads our culinary team with over 25 years of experience in fine dining and event catering. Specializing in Creole fusion cuisine, he creates innovative menus that blend traditional Southern flavors with modern presentation techniques. His expertise ensures consistently exceptional food quality for every event.
Julie Lamkin
General Manager
Julie Lamkin oversees daily operations and client services with a decade of hospitality management experience. She coordinates event logistics, staff scheduling, and quality control to ensure seamless execution. Her leadership maintains the company's high standards across all catering services and client interactions.
Ruben Saenz
Production Manager
Production Manager Ruben Saenz manages kitchen operations and food preparation logistics. With extensive culinary and organizational experience, he ensures efficient production while maintaining strict quality control standards. His team leadership guarantees timely delivery of perfectly prepared dishes for every event.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We cater all event types including weddings, corporate functions, holiday parties, crawfish boils, and private celebrations with customized menus and services.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, we offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options with advance notice and special preparation protocols.
Do you provide rental equipment?
Yes, we offer complete rental packages including tables, linens, china, glassware, and decorative elements for any event size.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve New Orleans and surrounding Louisiana regions including Metairie, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.
Can I customize my event menu?
Yes, our executive chef works with clients to create fully customized menus tailored to their preferences and event themes.
