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Event Catering in Mesa & the East Valley
Chef-crafted food and professional service for special events of every size — from 25-guest dinners to 500-guest galas.
Request a QuoteEvent Catering Built Around Your Event, Not a Template
When you search for event catering, you want one thing: a caterer who shows up on time, feeds every guest well, and makes the whole day easier. That is what The Local Caterer has done for East Valley events for more than a decade.
We are a Mesa-based, chef-led catering company. Every menu is prepared in our own commercial kitchen, then delivered, finished, and served at your venue — so food arrives hot, fresh, and looking the way it should. Chef Josh Bakken and Kasandra Bakken run every event personally, from the first quote to the last plate cleared.
We cater special events of every kind: weddings, corporate events, galas and fundraisers, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, holiday parties, church and community events, celebrations of life, and family reunions. Indoor ballroom or backyard lawn, 25 guests or 500, the standard is the same.
Call (480) 718-1671 or request a free quote online — we reply fast, and most quotes go out the same day.
What's Included
Event Catering Services We Offer
Full-service event catering: our team handles the food, the serving staff, the buffet or station setup, and the cleanup. This is the most popular choice for weddings, galas, and any event where you want to be a guest at your own party.
Drop-off event catering: for casual gatherings and office events, we deliver hot, ready-to-serve food in disposable or chafing-dish setups. It is the simplest and most budget-friendly way to cater an event.
Appetizer and cocktail receptions, grazing tables, dessert tables, brunch buffets, taco bars, BBQ, Italian, and Mexican menus — all customizable, all made from scratch.
How to Book Event Catering
1. Tell us about your event — date, location, guest count, and the style of food you have in mind.
2. We build a custom menu and quote. Tastings are available on request.
3. We confirm the details, timeline, and staffing a week before your event.
4. Event day: we deliver, set up, serve, and clean up. You enjoy your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book event catering?
For most events, 3–6 weeks is ideal. Weddings and large events in peak season (October–April in Arizona) should book 3–6 months out. We sometimes have short-notice availability, so it is always worth calling.
Do you provide servers and staff for events?
Yes. Full-service event catering includes professional serving staff. Staffing is quoted based on guest count and service style.
What is the minimum guest count for event catering?
We cater events of almost any size. Small gatherings are often best served with drop-off catering, while larger events usually choose full service. Ask us and we will recommend the best fit.
Do you cook on site?
Most food is prepared in our commercial kitchen and then finished and served at your venue. That keeps quality consistent and means your venue needs very little kitchen space.
What areas do you cater events in?
We are based in Mesa and cater events across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, and the rest of the Valley.
Ready to Book Your Event?
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation catering quote.
Request a Free Quote