Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Colorado Springs Catering Partner
Founded in 1989, The Picnic Basket Catering Collective has established itself as Colorado Springs' premier catering company, serving the Front Range with exceptional culinary experiences. Our three distinct divisionsPicnic Basket Catering Company, Buffalo Gals Grilling Company, and Cravings Catering & Five Star Eventscater to diverse event needs, from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions. We prioritize fresh, non-GMO ingredients sourced from local farmers and ranchers, ensuring every dish reflects our commitment to quality and sustainability.With over 30 years of experience, we combine traditional American cuisine with innovative twists, backed by a team of seasoned professionals dedicated to flawless service. Our reputation as a trusted community partner is evidenced by 20 consecutive 'Best Catering Company' awards and partnerships with local nonprofits. We specialize in creating memorable events through customizable menus, expert event planning, and a client-centric approach that prioritizes your vision and budget.
Services
Wedding Catering
Corporate Events
Private Parties
VIP Functions
Celebration of Life Events
Santa Maria Barbecue
Custom Menu Creation
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of experience creating memorable events across Colorado Springs
- Locally sourced, non-GMO ingredients from regional farms and ranches
- Three specialized divisions for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations
- Award-winning service voted 'Best Catering Company' for 20 consecutive years
- Comprehensive event planning including venue selection, rentals, and staffing
What people say
Delicious food
Professional service
Memorable experiences
Exceptional presentation
Highly recommend
Services
Wedding Catering
Our wedding specialists create personalized celebrations using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From rustic outdoor ceremonies to elegant receptions, we offer customizable menus, venue coordination, and full-service planning. With 30+ years of experience, we've catered 2,147 events annually, including micro-weddings and grand affairs for 1,000+ guests.
Corporate Catering
We deliver professional catering solutions for corporate functions ranging from executive lunches to large galas. Our services include custom menu creation, vendor coordination, and on-site logistics management. Clients praise our ability to simplify event planning while maintaining exceptional food quality and presentation standards.
Santa Maria Barbecue
Buffalo Gals Grilling Company specializes in authentic Santa Maria-style barbecue prepared on-site using custom grills. This Colorado tradition features Certified Angus Beef and wild game cooked over red oak fires, creating memorable experiences for weddings, reunions, and corporate events across the Pikes Peak Region.
Celebration of Life Events
We provide compassionate catering for memorial gatherings with customizable menus and stress-free planning. Our team handles logistics, venue selection, and dietary accommodations, allowing families to focus on honoring their loved ones while we ensure exceptional food quality and service.
VIP Event Catering
Cravings Catering offers sophisticated dining experiences for high-profile events. Our services include boutique mixology, creative presentation, and complex culinary compositions tailored to unique client visions. We specialize in creating standout experiences for fundraisers, galas, and themed celebrations.
People
Michelle Talarico
Owner/Co-Founder
Co-founded The Picnic Basket Catering Collective in 1989 with $300 and a passion for food. With 30+ years in hospitality, she serves as company spokesperson and community leader, balancing business operations with board roles at multiple Colorado nonprofits.
Kathy Dreiling
Owner/Co-Founder
Musician-turned-catering executive with expertise in marketing and finance. Co-founded the company in 1989, managing event planning and grilling operations. Recognized as a Colorado Springs Business Journal Woman of Influence, she brings creative energy to every event.
Merle Taylor
Director of Finance and Human Resources
Oversees financial operations and staff management for the 79-employee company. With deep institutional knowledge, she ensures operational efficiency across three catering divisions while maintaining the company's progressive, family-oriented culture.
Geri Hunt
Director of Culinary
Leads culinary operations across all divisions, ensuring consistent quality in menus featuring local ingredients. With extensive experience in event catering, she supervises menu development and kitchen operations for the company's 2,147 annual events.
Jennifer Chowning
Director of Operations
Manages day-to-day operations for the catering collective, coordinating logistics for events serving over 135,000 guests annually. Her leadership ensures seamless execution of services ranging from casual picnics to five-star events.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We cater weddings, corporate events, private parties, VIP functions, and celebration of life events across Colorado Springs and the Front Range.
Do you offer custom menu options?
Yes, all our menus are fully customizable with options ranging from casual picnics to gourmet plated dinners using locally sourced ingredients.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Colorado Springs, the Front Range, and Pikes Peak Region with delivery fees based on distance beyond the metro area.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance, with larger events requiring two weeks' notice or as specified in your contract.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept checks, credit cards, cash, and online payments for all catering orders and event services.
Do you provide event staff?
Yes, we offer trained service staff, bartenders, and event coordinators for all catering functions meeting our minimum requirements.
