Elevate Your Event, One Bite at a Time.
Our Story
At The Collective, we are proud to have been a leading catering company for over 30 years. Founded in 1989 by Kathy Dreiling and Michelle Talarico, our company has grown and evolved to meet the needs of our clients. Our journey began with the Picnic Basket Catering Company, which was born out of a shared love for food, fun, and a mere $300 investment by our founders.
Our Divisions
Over the years, we have identified various niches in the catering industry, and we have created three distinct divisions to cater to these needs. Our divisions include:
The Picnic Basket: This division offers casual, contemporary cuisine with a focus on traditional American flavors. We use locally sourced ingredients and creative twists to provide our customers with exceptional food and service.
Buffalo Gals Grilling Company: This division specializes in Santa Maria-style barbecue, offering a unique and memorable dining experience. Our custom-made grills and rustic elegance will transport your guests to the beautiful Colorado mountains.
Cravings: This division is for those who crave something more. We offer custom, chef-inspired menus that will leave your guests in awe. From unique presentation to exceptional service, Cravings is the perfect choice for special occasions.
Why Three Divisions?
We identified various niches in the catering industry and created three distinct divisions to cater to these needs. We started with the Picnic Basket in 1989 and soon discovered opportunities in planning large and more sophisticated events. We integrated Santa Maria-style barbecue into our Picnic Basket brand, which later became Buffalo Gals Grilling Company. The name "The Picnic Basket" didn't seem to represent the caliber of service we were offering, so we asked our clients to help us come up with a name. Cravings Five Star Events was born, and we suddenly found ourselves planning large galas, grand openings, and events for over 1,000 guests.
Our People
At The Collective, we take pride in our talented team of professionals. Meet our founders, Kathy Dreiling and Michelle Talarico, who have been leading the company for over three decades. Our administration team, led by Merle Taylor, Director of Finance and Human Resources, ensures the smooth operation of our organization. Our sales team, led by Lauren Bendure, leads sales and event design, while our culinary team, led by Geri Hunt, Director of Culinary, delights our guests with exceptional cuisine. Our service team, led by Jennifer Chowning, Director of Operations, ensures that every event runs smoothly and efficiently.
Community Involvement
At The Collective, we believe in giving back to our community. We participate in various charity events, sponsor fundraising campaigns, and provide donations to local organizations that align with our values.
Sustainability
We strive to make a positive impact on the environment by reducing waste, using eco-friendly products, and sourcing ingredients locally. Our Red Plate Program is an initiative to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability in our business practices.
Conclusion
At The Collective, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional food, service, and experiences that leave lasting impressions. We invite you to explore our divisions, read our stories, and learn more about our people. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.
Catering Excellence
The reviews for Picnic Basket Catering are overwhelmingly positive, with all authors giving a perfect 5-star rating. The common thread throughout the reviews is the exceptional quality of the food, stunning presentation, and exceptional service provided by the catering team.
Key Features
- Delicious and varied menu options
- Beautiful food presentation
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Professional and seamless event execution
- Willingness to work with clients to tailor events to their specific needs
What Sets Picnic Basket Apart
- Their attention to detail, from setup to service, ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for clients and their guests
- The team's professionalism and ability to work well under pressure make them a standout in the catering industry
- Their willingness to adapt to client needs and preferences is impressive and reassuring
Real-Life Examples
- One reviewer praised the catering team's ability to set up and serve a large event, complete with multiple stations and attentive service.
- Another reviewer loved the variety of options at the omelet bar at their wedding brunch.
- Multiple reviewers praised the delicious food and exceptional service at their special events.
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