Do you offer bar and alcohol services?

Yes, we are a Virginia ABC licensed Caterer. We offer full cocktail bars, beer wine and cider services, and a full suite of soft drinks and cocktails. Our commitment to not placing alcohol at the center of our business model includes always including all soft drinks and coffee/iced coffee service as included elements in wine and beer service, and both services as part of a cocktail bar package. We also price our alcohol services very low compared to many caterers, and will never oversee guests. If you know your event will have modest consumption, please let us know so we can help manage pricing.

You take no upcharge on vendor producers, no discounts from them, and don't want to make primary profit from alcohol. How exactly do you make money?

Service! We have a fantastic, young, and vibrant team of catering professionals. Our captains, servers, chefs, and bartenders are well trained, well paid, and motivated to be kind, diligent, and skilled. We are transparent with the pay and billing structure. As I say to many clients, please be prepared to pay as much for the people who will make your day go perfectly as you will for the food on the plate or the drink in the glass.

Will you help us manage rentals, tents, help us find a DJ, etc?

Happily. Carpe Donut has been working with other wedding professionals, venues and related companies in Virginia for 20 years. Several of these service providers are happy to bill for their services through your Rodeo invoice.

What types of events do you cater?

We cater weddings, corporate events, office lunches, conferences, birthdays, graduation parties, holiday celebrations, nonprofit events, family reunions, private dinners, festivals, and more.

What cuisines do you offer?

Our menus span American farm-to-table, Southern, Mediterranean, Vietnamese, Italian, barbecue, Indian, Korean, Thai, Turkish, Greek, Lebanese, Filipino, Indonesian, Japanese, seafood, wood-fired pizza, tacos, fried chicken, soul food, and ice cream service.

If you don't see what you're looking for, just ask. Between our kitchen and our network of local chefs, chances are we've done it—or we'd love the chance to build it.

Do I have to choose from a set menu?

No. In fact, we'd rather you didn't.

We start by asking what food means to your family, then build a menu around that. Sometimes it's elevated Southern seafood. Sometimes it's Vietnamese. Sometimes it's Grandma's lasagna or a Thanksgiving dinner served at a wedding. That's where the fun starts.

Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Absolutely. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut allergies, halal, and other dietary needs are all things we work with regularly. Great hospitality means everyone gets to eat well.

How does your pricing work?

We don't mark up our vendors, nor do we ask them for discounts. What we pay for food and staffing is exactly what appears on your invoice. We also send 100% of gratuities directly to the team who worked your event.

Can you cater weddings?

Yes. We offer wedding catering for receptions, rehearsal dinners, cocktail hours, late-night snacks, dessert stations, and brunches.

Do you provide serving staff and rentals?

Yes. We can provide chefs, servers, bartenders, event captains, and coordinate rentals, linens, tables, glassware, and other event logistics so everything works together seamlessly.

Can you work with venues and other vendors we've already chosen?

Absolutely. We regularly collaborate with venues, planners, florists, photographers, and other vendors throughout Charlottesville and Central Virginia. If you've already assembled your team, we're happy to join it.

How far in advance should we book?

The earlier, the better (especially for weddings); but don't hesitate to reach out if your event is coming up quickly. We'll always let you know honestly whether we can make it happen.

Do you provide dessert catering?

Absolutely. We can incorporate desserts into your catering menu, from plated desserts to late-night sweets and ice cream service.

And if you're looking for something a little different, our sister company, Carpe Donut, has been serving Charlottesville weddings and events for more than 20 years with fresh apple cider donuts, brunch catering, coffee service, and mimosas. Learn more at carpedonut.org ↗

What areas do you serve?

We're based in Charlottesville and cater throughout Central Virginia and beyond. If your event is outside the area, get in touch; we travel regularly for the right celebrations.

Do you only cater weddings?

Not at all. Weddings are a big part of what we do, but we also cater corporate events, university functions, nonprofit fundraisers, family celebrations, holiday parties, and large public events.