Photos by L.G. Patterson

44 Canteen/44 Tavern
Comfort Food
44canteen.com
midwaygolfgames.com/44-tavern

Mark Sulltrop, the owner of 44 Tavern and 44 Canteen, says planning food for an event is all about offering items that provide a level of comfort with an elevated feel. “I like to put my twist on dishes that guests have a level of comfort ordering,” he says. Whether that’s the pub cheese fritters, tortilla chips and dip or ploughmans charcuterie tray from44 Tavern or the taco and nacho bars from 44 Canteen, thereis something for everyone to enjoy. “We also offer a variety of signature sauces and seasonings,” he says. No matter how big or small, Sulltrop says he and his team can handle your event with ease. “We have hosted a variety of events, including corporate, weddings, receptions, retirement parties, remembrances, graduations and more.” The options are truly endless; you can have your catering delivered or rent out one of their facilities. For the past 30 years, Sulltrop has been involved with catering in Columbia in various positions and facilities and hopes to continue to be a part of community events for years to come.

D. Rowe’s Restaurant & Bar
American Pub Grub
drowesrestaurant.com/catering

Barbecue fans, line up! D. Rowe’s Restaurant & Bar has all you need for the perfect barbecue bash. Whether you are planning a tailgate, golf outing, open house, or in-office lunch, or if you are planning a larger, more formal party like a wedding, D. Rowe’s manager Eduardo Urbina says they can do any event. “We honestly do any size, we do weddings all the time, sporting events, tailgates.” For an event with over 100 attendees, Urbina prefers four to five days for preparation but says he can always make anything adjustable. When ordering D. Rowe’s, customers will get two meats, three sides, barbecue sauce, buns or rolls, and serving utensils. D. Rowe’s Restaurant offers catering services with all orders conveniently packaged in bulk. For those preferring individual boxes, there is an additional charge of $1 per person to cover paper products and staffing. Delivery is available within city limits for a fee of $25, with additional charges for longer distances. Payment is due upon receipt of goods, and a deposit may be required. Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance. For larger parties or weddings, the D. Rowe’s website says they will consult with you to provide everything you need. “Whether it’s going to be white tie and tails or lots of bib overalls,” Urbina says, “we’d love to help you make your event a winner.”

Peachtree Catering
Menu-less Makers
eatpeachtree.com

If you’re looking for a place with menu freedom while planning your party, Peachtree Catering has what you need to make it happen. According to its website, Peachtree lets the initial conversation dictate the food options for your planned party. “We don’t have any menus or pricing packages for you to choose from. Instead, we like to have a conversation. We’ll talk all about your event, your needs, wants and dreams,” the website states. The idea is to get to know each client and figure out exactly what’s needed, all within your desired budget. No matter what size event you’re hosting, Peachtree has the capabilities for it all. “We don’t have minimums, and we can work with just about any price,” according to the website. “That is why we don’t have menus, and that is why we do things a bit differently.

Beet Box
Middle Eastern Cuisine
eatabeetbox.com/catering

At Beet Box, customers are working with more of a fixed menu. According to the website, for just $17 per box, you can pick from shawarma, falafel, koobideh, hummus bowl, breakfast burrito, turkey bacon club and saffron chicken salad. Each box also comes with chips and a cookie or you can switch the chips for kale salad or tabouleh for $2. There are also several appetizers to choose from, including a hummus platter, falafel with smoked tahini, chicken kebabs, cumin-spiced lamb meatballs and so much more. All the appetizers range in price and are available depending on the season. There is also a hot buffet option. Beet Box provides all the buffet equipment, plates and cutlery. For delivery options, there is a 15-person minimum for catering. Once you know what you want to order, all you have to do is fill out the catering request form on the website and Beet Box will reach out to finalize all the details.

Word of Mouth Catering
Homestyle Cuisine
wordofmouthcateringandcarryout.com

Word of Mouth Catering & Carryout has been serving the mid-Missouri area for over 21 years. According to its website, their goal is to feel the core values of the establishment through the food at your event or gathering. “When you order from us, our goal is for you to experience the feeling our values are based on love, friendship and generosity,” website says. This is achieved through the family recipes and fresh ingredients used to make every meal. Whether you need a special menu for guests with dietary restrictions or are just looking for a comforting home-cooked meal,Word of Mouth Catering is the place for you. The menu has a variety of options, including chicken scratch noodles,Grandma Jean’s meatloaf, a Thanksgiving dinner, a taco or nacho bar, pasta palooza and more. Bookings need to bemade at least 48 hours in advance, and the same timeline applies to their cancellation policy. Delivery is available at$1 per person; service and gratuity charges are not included but are appreciated. All catering and carryout orders include complimentary disposable tableware. Warming racks and fuel are available for pick-up orders for an added fee of $10 to $50. Items can also be picked up cold with easy warming instructions, keeping fresh for up to two days. Contact them by text, call, email or social media to start planning your next gathering!

Bush’s Catering
Boxed Delights
bushscateringmealprep.com

Need a meal prep option this winter? Christopher Bush, the owner of Bush’s Catering and Meal Prep, has the perfect menu for you. Bush has more than ten years of experience creating food people will love. Being a part of your next event or weekly meal planning is something he says he feels blessed to do. “We believe that one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to food. We pride ourselves on customizing anymeal for any event,” Bush says. If you don’t find the perfect option on the website, Bush says that’s no obstacle. “If you can dream it up, Bush’s Catering can create it for you.” For breakfast, you can either get the pick six breakfast buffet for $13.99 per person or do breakfast a la carte for $3 per serving. For lunch, you can either order the standard box for $12.99 each or the deluxe for $14.99 each. There are also several appetizer options and specialty bars, including a pasta bar, a Greek bar, a nacho bar and more to choose from. One of the most popular dishes Bush’s serves is salmon, including the honey lemon salmon and Mediterranean salmon, along with all the other top-of-the-line cuts of meat you can choose from. To book Bush’s for your next event, you will need to provide a 24-48 hour advance notice. Their policy is first come first serve. You can send an inquiry to bushscatering@gmail.com or call (573) 529-2204.

Nourish Café & Market
Organic Whole Food
nourishcafemarket.com/catering

Sometimes the body is craving whole nutrition — nothing processed, just pure, good food. Nourish Café & Market prides itself on its organic, locally sourced and nutrient-rich food that is all made from scratch. Owner Kalle LeMone says the entire menu is void of gluten, soy, corn, refined sugar, preservatives and inflammatory oils.“ Most often, we cater our bowls, salads or breakfast items with the option to add high-quality meat.” No matter what you are craving from Nourish, they can make it happen for your event. “Almost everything on our menu can be served ‘family style.’ We do take requests if we can accommodate them. We also do group individual orders for larger breakfasts or lunches,” LeMone says. The goal is to keep the health of the customers and the planet in mind when catering any event, big or small. “Everything we do is with intention and with the health of our customers and our planet as our focus,” she says. Whether you are planning an office lunch, bridal shower, holiday party, team breakfast or just looking to nourish your family for the week, Nourish Café can do it all.

Como Smoke & Fire
Columbian Barbecue
comosmokeandfire.com/catering-menu

Barbecue is always a crowd-pleaser at events. It’s packed with flavor and there are always plenty of options for everyone. Matt Hawkins, one of the owners of Como Smoke & Fire, says they try to keep catering to the core tenants of barbecue: pork, chicken, turkey, brisket, wings and more. “We try not to cater any fried food, but we will bring other regular sides,” Hawkins says. To stand out of the catering crowd, Como Smoke & Fire doesn’t charge by the plate, instead, they charge depending on the whole group size. “We make a menu for the group,” Hawkins says. “We want to make it as cheap as possible for our clients so there is not a set price per plate.” For drink options, Hawkins says they can provide sweet or unsweet tea and lemonade by the gallon. For a party size of about 40-50 people, Hawkins says he needs at least three days to prepare, but is flexible. “I could get it done today if we needed to, it’s just a lot better if I have three days,” Hawkins says. For just $1.50 per person, Como Smoke & Fire has you covered with serving utensils, plates, cutlery and buns. You can also pair your plate with their flavorful sauces — choose from Something Sweet, Little Heat, Liquid Gold, CarolinaPepper or Alabama White. A pint serves up to 10 people for $10, and a quart can satisfy up to 40 for only $20. To alleviate some seasonal stress, Como Smoke & Fire can even cook your holiday meat. “We do Thanksgiving and Christmas, turkeys or hams,” Hawkins says. At a set price, you can bring your own meat in and they can smoke and debone it. Whether you need a helping hand for the holidays or are planning a big event, Hawkins encourages you to call 573-682-0479 or email smokeandfirecatering@gmail.com. They’ll guide you through every detail to ensure you have everything you need for a successful gathering.

Ozark Mountain Biscuit & Bar
Southern Specials
ozarkbiscuits.com/catering

Bring the made-from-scratch specialties from Ozark Mountain Biscuit Co. to your next event for everyone to enjoy. According to its website, each menu can be fully customizable for any event or need.“ We create personalized catering for your wedding, company event or special occasion. Our catering menu is sure to please the guests at your next party,” the website states. Whether you are serving breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, lunch dinner or an array of drinks, Ozark Mountain has what you need. Other than their soft drink options such as lemonade, sweet tea, hot chocolate, apple cider, orange juice and coffee, customers can also request a full bar service. Request buffet-style catering or have the Ozark Biscuit Food Truck come to your event for the perfect on-site experience.

Belly Market & Rotisserie
Seasonal Dishes
eatbellymarket.com

Belly Market is a newer addition to the Columbia area, having opened its doors in 2022. They offer elevated, signature midwestern meals to choose from for your next party. Benjamin Hamrah, the co-owner of Belly Market, says they are a big fan of classic dishes. “If I had to pick one dish that is our ‘signature,’ it would be the chicken piccata.” That dish along with many others are available on the online menu, which includes favorites from the Belly restaurant menu and seasonal special offerings. To order, all you have todo is choose which menu works for your event best, send an email to info@eatbellymarket.com and provide the details of your event. If there is something you don’t see on the catering menu that you want to enjoy, Hamrah says they can make almost anything work. “As caterers, we can make just about any special request happen,” he says. “We’ve got a great culinary crew, and they love to play!” Customers can order box lunches starting at $13 a box, buffet lunches starting at $16 per person, appetizers and snacks, dinner buffets starting at $17 per person, and tailgate packages starting at $13 per person. All listed prices are for drop-off service with disposable products.Want to upgrade? Real chafers, bowls and platters are available for an additional $3 per person. Servers can be added to your event for a 22% service charge. Orders require at least 48hours’ notice and are considered a request until confirmed with an order form. If your request is outside of this window, please contact Belly at (573) 815-9711 and reference your email.Since Belly Market has Peachtree Catering and Beet Box to lean on, they will sometimes drive clients in one of those directions if it better suits the event being planned. “We always try to steer our clients in the direction that best suits their goals, and we have a pretty wide and diverse group of talent to pull from,” Hamrah says. But no matter how big or small your event, Belly is there to work for you. “We always ask people to reach out with their catering needs no matter how large or small. Just the same, we’re capable of feeding some seriously large crowds. We’re always up for a challenge!”

Room 38
Modern Cuisine
room-38.com/catering

If you’re looking for a variety of flavors, textures and tastes, Room 38 Restaurant & Lounge has everything you need to satisfy your guests. Soleil Richardson, the catering director at Room 38, says the most unique part of the catering experience is the commitment to customization and presentation. “We believe that every event should have its own unique flavor, so we work closely with clients to tailor our offerings to their specific preferences and needs,” Richardson says. While there is a set menu to choose from, he says their options are endless. “We do not limit our clients to those options! We are always open to a personalized menu to cater to any palate.” Some of the in-house favorites can also be added to any catered event, including lobster mac and cheese, pretzel bites, their Sesame Ahi Tuna and Tuscan Dip Flatbread. Whether you are looking for a venue or wanting to cater an offsite event, Room 38 can accommodate.“ We cater to all styles of events, from tailgates to simple appetizer and cocktail events to formal coursed meals and entrée buffets,” Richardsons says. They can also cater a range in event sizes from as small as 20 people to several hundred.Currently, Room 38 does not have a maximum for party size. They have successfully served up to 500 guests in one party. No matter the event, size or taste, Room 38 makes sure “every event is treated with the same level of attention to detail and quality from our staff and kitchen.”

Old Neighborhood Cafe
Family Recipes
oldneighborhoodcafe.com/catering

At The Old Neighborhood Cafe, co-owners Vanessa and Jake Leitza are always up for a catering challenge. “We have a menu online, but Jake and I love it when people have their own ideas,” Vanessa says. While there is no minimum guest number, Vanessa and Jake usually prefer large parties to have100 guests or less.“ The largest one we did was for 400 people, but we prefer to stick to 100 people or less,” she says.“ We catered for as few as two people.” Vanessa says The Old Neighborhood Cafe can do anything from executive box lunches for large or small group events to a carving station dinner buffet. “We do a Mexican bar, a pasta bar and we have an extensive hors d’oeuvres section for people who just want to pass finger foods,” she says. But what really sets the Old Neighborhood Cafe’s catering apart is their charcuterie and grazing tables, “which are really excellent additions to any holiday party, birthday party or special occasion, they are pretty eye-catching,” Vanessa says. While the Leitzas prefer at least a week to prepare for a catering opportunity, they always aim to fulfill all last-minute requests.For parents with less time around the holidays, the Leitza’s also prepare family holiday meals in advance.“It takes some of the work out of the holidays for the busy folk.”All prices for catering are priced per person unless noted otherwise. Standard boxed lunches are $12, deluxe boxed lunches are $14 per person, the lunch buffet is $18 for one entrée and $20 for two, and specialty bars are between $17 and $21.50.

Pasta La Fata
Fresh Italian Cuisine
pastalafata.net/catering

Pasta La Fata, led by Chef and Owner Michelle La Fata, offers a catering menu centered on fresh, scratch-made pasta featuring locally farm-grown ingredients. “We work with over 30 local farms throughout the year and even grow some of our own herbs and produce,” she says. While they cater more often to offices and parties, they occasionally take on weddings, with a limited number of events each year. Pasta La Fata has a set menu that can be customized upon request and they handle catering requests based on current capabilities. “We consider every request individually, based on our capabilities at that time,” La Fata says. When ordering, there are several fresh dishes to choose from, including lasagna ($130, serves 16-20), stuffed cavatelli($120, serves 10-12), cannelloni ($115, serves 10-12) and capriccio($140, serves 10-12), along with salad and Italian dessert options like their famous cannolis. Delivery is available for an additional 20% or the menu is available for hot food pick-up. Set-up, service and customized menus are also offered. You can contact the team to discuss your event’s specific needs. Catering orders should be placed at least one week in advance. Pasta La Fata also has a restaurant, market and a stand at the Columbia Farmers Market.

Big Daddy’s BBQ
Soul Food
bigdaddysbbqcomo.com

If you need some food for the soul, Big Daddy’s BBQ’s menu is the one for you. Founders Lloyd and Fontella Henry started their journey in a catering trailer before opening their now well-known barbecue joint at the corner of Garth and BusinessLoop. According to the website, the goal was to make the restaurant feel welcoming. “With convenient takeout and a spacious patio, the restaurant has a charming and homey feel,” the website states. Since its humble beginnings back in the 1980s, the company has grown with a second location and now showcases a food truck and mobile trailer which is used for events and catering. Just looking at the menu will make your mouth water. Big Daddy’s offers everything from pulled pork, brisket, ribs and sausage, to homemade sides such as baked beans, potato salad and collard greens. On top of everything, customers also get to enjoy Big Daddy’s own signature spicy, ketchup-based sauce. To order Big Daddy’s for your next event, visit the website and fill out the catering contact form.

Honey Baked Ham
Quality Meat
honeybaked.com/catering

Honey Baked Ham in Columbia offers a range of catering options ideal for various events. From signature ham and turkey trays to fresh sandwich platters and sides, their menu is designed to suit gatherings of all sizes. With a focus on quality and convenience, they provide both individual and buffet-style meals, making it easy to plan for office lunches, family celebrations or larger events. Head to the website and searchColumbia, Missouri with the zip code or name, and click on the local store to plan out your holiday party meals with ease.

Glenn’s Café
Cajun, Creole, American
glennscafe.com/catering

Your favorite spot, Glenn’s Cafe, offers catering services that bring the flavors of their American cuisine to any event or gathering. Their catering options are designed to accommodate a variety of needs, from intimate gatherings to larger occasions. Whether you know the Glenn’s as the small gas station diner from the 1940s or know it as the brick-and-mortar establishment on the corner of 9th and Cherry, you know it’s all about good food and making memories. To make Glenn’s apart of your next memory, send a catering and event inquiry on the website with all the private event information. Include your name, email and phone number with a brief message to the staff and let the party planning begin!

Bud’s Classic BBQ
Authentic Barbecue
budsclassic.top

Bud’s Classic BBQ in Columbia offers a range of catering options that highlight their commitment to authentic barbecue flavors. Their menu features a variety of smoked meats, including Texas brisket and barbecue burnt ends, alongside options like marinated chicken. Known for its focus on quality ingredients and traditional barbecue techniques, Bud’s Classic BBQ is an ideal choice for gatherings and events of all sizes. For more details on the menu, visit the website, budsclassic.to.

Sara Fougere Catering
Signature Appetizers
sarafougerecatering.com

Sara Fougere, the owner of Sara Fougere Catering, wants to make your event as easy as possible for you, from the set-up all the way to the clean-up. “My motto is, it’s your party, enjoy it. You should be able to enjoy your guests and not have to worry about food and service,” she says. “I develop a relationship with my customers, and they trust me to take care of all aspects of their event so they can enjoy their party.” While Fougere does cater corporate, university events and in-home catering, she prefers not to cater weddings. “I love big events either buffet or plated meals, but I rarely do a wedding. If I do, it is usually a small, high-end function.” There really is no limit for Fougere as far as guest count, big or small. “I prefer at least 15 guests and the largest I have done is 800 guests.” Fougere is no stranger to catering as she has been in the catering industry for 20years. You’ll notice Fougere has a carefully curated menu, with a flavor spread to complement any event. Signature dishes like the almond-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates and chocolate raspberry brownies showcase a focus on flavor and presentation. “My food is delicious and beautiful. The presentation is as important as the flavor.” Since her business is her name, Fougere takes every event very seriously, to ensure each client is more than satisfied not only with the food but the service as well. “I take each event to heart andam easy to work and communicate with.”

Happy Food Catering
Nutrient-Dense Food
happyfoodmeals.com

Happy Food Catering, led by Executive Chef Kimber Dean, specializes in allergy-friendly, nutrient-dense meals tailored to various dietary needs. “What sets us apart is our focus on using local and organic ingredients, including those from our own Happy Food Farm,” Dean says. The menu features flavorful options like hormone-balancing bowls that can be customized to fit client requests. “We love collaborating with clients to create menus that meet their specific dietary needs and preferences, ensuring each event is unique and special,” Dean says. Happy Food Catering can work with all kinds of events, including weddings, corporate luncheons and intimate gatherings. “For weddings, we provide multi-course plated dinners or buffets with a healthy twist. For corporate gatherings, we offer convenient yet nutritious boxed lunches, while our party catering includes everything from appetizers to full meals, depending on the occasion.” Dean says she caters for events of all sizes, with a minimum of 10 people, and larger events with up to 200 guests. “We work closely with our clients to ensure their guests leave feeling satisfied and energized, no matter the occasion.”

Grandma’s Southern Eats
Authentic Southern Food
grandmassoutherneats.com

Who doesn’t love some good Southern food? Grandma’s Southern Eats is a mobile catering company that can turn any event into the perfect Sunday dinner. No matter the event, whether it’s a private party, a corporate event or a birthday, this homestyle catering can do it all. According to its website, Grandma’s Southern Eats focuses on authentic Southern food with barbecue sauces and dry seasonings that will instantly make you think of home. “Grandma’s Southern Eats brings back memories of what our mothers and grandmas used to cook, bringing the family together in love,” the website states. Make sure to get your order in four days ahead, and let Grandma’s catering take care of the rest! Enjoy a delicious dinner starting at $12.95 per person, with special pricing as low as $13.95 per person for groups of 75 and $12.95 for 100 or more.