Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Catering Partner in Chicago
J & L Catering has been a cornerstone of Chicago's catering community for over 31 years, driven by the lifelong passions of owner Ted Grady and chef-owner Kevin Kelly. We specialize in creating custom culinary experiences that bring people together through quality ingredients, innovative menus, and exceptional service. Our dedicated team of event planners, chefs, and service staff ensures every eventfrom intimate gatherings to large-scale weddingsis executed flawlessly. We prioritize sustainability through partnerships with local organic suppliers and actively support Chicago's hospitality education, anti-poverty initiatives, green projects, and LGBTQIA+ community. With exclusive partnerships at over 25 premier Chicagoland venues, we offer end-to-end event planning including menu development, rental coordination, and design.Our commitment to community extends to annual donations and collaborations with cultural institutions. Recognized for our globally inspired cuisine and attention to detail, we serve both corporate and social clients seeking memorable culinary experiences. Our 12,000-square-foot Venue West facility provides modern industrial space with in-house catering capabilities. With decades of combined experience, we maintain industry leadership through continuous innovation while upholding core values of integrity and client satisfaction.
Services
Event Catering
Wedding Catering
Corporate Events
Venue Partnerships
Sustainable Catering
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 31+ years of Chicago catering expertise with two owner-chefs on staff
- Exclusive partnerships with 25+ premier Chicagoland venues
- Sustainable sourcing through local organic supplier networks
- Dedicated event planners managing every detail from menu to design
- Community-focused business supporting education and social initiatives
What people say
Flawless event execution
Creative global cuisine
Exceptional service staff
Seamless venue partnerships
Sustainable practices
Services
Event Catering
J & L Catering creates custom culinary experiences for events of all sizes. Our globally inspired menus use locally sourced ingredients prepared by award-winning chefs. We handle every detail from initial planning to final execution, ensuring memorable dining experiences that align with your event's theme and budget. Our team coordinates rentals, staffing, and logistics for seamless service.
Wedding Catering
We specialize in creating unforgettable wedding celebrations through personalized menus and exceptional service. From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, our event planners coordinate venue selection, menu tasting, and day-of execution. Our experienced staff ensures smooth service while our chefs craft seasonal dishes that impress guests and complement your special day's atmosphere.
Corporate Events
J & L Catering delivers professional catering solutions for corporate functions including conferences, product launches, and networking events. We offer customizable menus that accommodate diverse dietary needs while maintaining presentation standards suitable for business environments. Our team provides efficient service coordination that aligns with corporate timelines and branding requirements.
Venue Partnerships
We maintain exclusive catering partnerships with 25+ premier Chicagoland venues. Our expertise in these spaces ensures optimal event planning, from layout design to technical requirements. We facilitate direct venue communication while managing catering operations, providing clients with preferred pricing and specialized service packages tailored to each location's unique characteristics.
Sustainable Catering
Our sustainability program prioritizes local organic suppliers and responsible sourcing practices. We partner with farms like Slagel Family Farm and Seedling to ensure ingredient traceability while supporting regional agriculture. The program includes waste reduction initiatives and eco-conscious service options that help clients achieve their environmental goals without compromising culinary quality.
People
Ted Grady
Owner
Ted Grady co-founded J & L Catering with a vision to transform Chicago's catering scene. With 31+ years in the industry, he oversees strategic partnerships and venue collaborations. Ted maintains active involvement in community initiatives while ensuring the company's continued culinary innovation and operational excellence.
Kevin Kelly
Chef Owner
Chef Kevin Kelly leads culinary operations with a focus on global flavors and seasonal menus. With extensive restaurant and catering experience, he develops innovative dishes that balance creativity with execution. Kevin personally supervises kitchen operations at Venue West and mentors the chef team to maintain consistent quality across all events.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We cater weddings, corporate events, social gatherings, and cultural functions for 50-800 guests across Chicagoland.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, our chefs create customized menus for all dietary needs including vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options.
Do you provide venue coordination?
We offer exclusive access to 25+ premier venues with dedicated contacts for seamless planning and execution.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 6-12 months ahead for weekends May-October, with shorter timelines available for off-peak dates.
Are sustainable options available?
Yes, we partner with local organic farms and implement eco-friendly practices throughout our operations.
What's included in your service?
Full-service catering includes menu development, staffing, rentals, logistics, and day-of coordination with event planners.
