Vendor Spotlight – Chef Penelope’s Catering

Your wedding menu should feel just as intentional as every other detail of your day. The right caterer doesn’t just serve food, they create an experience your guests will remember. If you’re looking for a caterer who blends creativity, warmth, and professionalism seamlessly, meet Chef Penelope! Known for their beautifully curated menus and unforgettable flavors, Chef Penelope’s Catering brings passion and personality to every celebration they serve. From intimate gatherings to grand receptions, she crafts dishes that reflect each couple’s unique style while ensuring every plate is as stunning as it is delicious. Keep scrolling to discover more about Chef Penelope’s Catering and why couples can’t stop raving about her culinary magic.

What was your dream job growing up?

I think I’ve always wanted to cook; my grandmother raised me, and she made large pots of food for the workers who were around our home. I think I’ve always loved cooking for large groups! When I became a teenager, I found out that you could actually have a career as a chef. It’s cemented. I’ve never had a Plan B. I love being a chef.

What does a typical wedding day look like for you?

Well, the actual wedding day is pretty easy because there’s just so much prep put into having everything ready for this day. I would say it’s a lot of timing. Certain things must be cooked ahead of time, and most of it has to be finished on site. So, it’s a lot of planning. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful team that works beside me every step of the way. The beautiful thing about the wedding day is that it’s so satisfying. Everything comes together. You have such a great sense of accomplishment. And then you get to see people actually enjoying what you do. I am very, very blessed.

How did you get into the catering business?

I started my career a little later than most people. I didn’t go to culinary school until I was 29. So, I already knew I didn’t want to work in restaurants because back of the house restaurants can be absolutely crazy. I was blessed enough to be able to work at a giant hotel and get to participate in their catering. Honestly, I don’t think I ever looked back. When you own a catering company, you have so much creative control over design, taste, and just everything! I love all the excitement of the big day. Some caterers do weddings, but they don’t love them. I hear that a lot from other caterers, but I love, love, love weddings. It has been my staple for over 20 years. I think I just gravitate towards weddings. I did my first bridal show probably in 2002, and I’ve never looked back. I’ve never detoured into a different area of Catering. I’ve always done weddings almost exclusively. However, during this time, many of my brides and grooms have gotten married, and they have asked me to do their corporate events, so now I am doing some corporate stuff. Hey, don’t forget me at Christmas time for your corporate parties!

How long have you been in business?

I think I started my first event right around 2001 might’ve been 2002 but it’s been a while. It still feels fresh though, I’m blessed to work with wonderful people, and I’ve had amazing clients that I still get to see.

Why did you decide to start a business?

Well, Nashville is fantastic! The vendors in Nashville are wonderful! It was really easy to start a business in Nashville because at that time, I was surrounded by smart, friendly people who were more than willing to help me start this business. I am definitely a first-generation entrepreneur, and I knew so little, yet I can think of a couple of big caterers here in Nashville that had no problem talking to me and helping me, and now I get to do that for the new caterers coming along. There’s more than enough business for everybody here in Nashville. It is a wonderful community.

What would be your dream event to cater for?

Oh man! Here’s the thing: I’ve been in Nashville for a really, really long time, and my husband works in the music industry. I don’t really worry about celebrities, don’t give me wrong, they are super super cool. But I do love weddings! So, I think I get to do my dream Events! I like doing beautiful weddings with real food, for real people, and I’m happy. Now the next question is probably going to contrast with this lol. But I think I am doing the events that make me happy!

Who would be your dream celebrity to cater for?

Oh yeah, that’s easy… It’s Dolly… It’s Dolly all day long!… And I think I’m good… I got to do her 50th anniversary of being in the Grand Ole Opry! What an honor! God is good!

If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?

Well, I have been blessed to be able to travel. So, if I could be anywhere tomorrow, where would I be…I would go back in time… sitting at my grandmother’s table on Sunday with all my aunts and cousins and uncles and my grandma. We would be eating all that delicious food, laughing and talking…and I would just SOAK IT IN! Family is so important. What I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older is that family isn’t just the people that are related to you… But family is who you surround yourself with… I’m blessed to be surrounded by wonderful, wonderful people.

Thank you so much to Chef Penelope for taking the time to give these amazing responses! If you are looking for a caterer, consider checking them out!!