Business Details
8 Years
experience
Your Trusted Catering Partner in Columbus, Ohio
At Simply Plated, we are driven by a passion for creating meaningful culinary experiences that bring people together. Founded in 2018 in Columbus, Ohio, our full-service catering company combines freshly prepared, made-from-scratch cuisine with a commitment to community impact. We specialize in crafting nutrient-dense meals for events of all sizes while reinvesting in local communities through our buy-one-give-one initiative. Our team prioritizes quality ingredients, personalized service, and seamless execution, ensuring every client receives exceptional catering solutions tailored to their needs. From boxed lunches to full-service events, we pride ourselves on delivering flavorful dishes that reflect our dedication to both culinary excellence and social responsibility.By partnering with organizations like World Central Kitchen and St. Stephens Community House, we extend our mission beyond events to address food insecurity in Central Ohio. Our decade-long industry experience and deep understanding of event planning allow us to anticipate challenges and deliver stress-free experiences. Every menu is thoughtfully designed to accommodate dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and allergen-friendly options. With transparent communication and a client-centric approach, we aim to create memorable moments centered around exceptional food. Our teams expertise spans corporate events, weddings, and community gatherings, ensuring every occasion receives the same level of care and attention to detail.
Services
Corporate Catering
Wedding Catering
Boxed Lunches
Vegan Options
Drop-Off Catering
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- We have reinvested in Central Ohio communities since 2018 through our buy-one-give-one initiative.
- Our culinary team sources fresh, quality ingredients for every made-from-scratch meal.
- We accommodate dietary needs including vegan, vegetarian, and allergen-friendly options.
- Our full-service catering includes setup, service, and cleanup for events up to 75 guests.
- We maintain partnerships with local organizations fighting food insecurity in Columbus.
What people say
Delicious food
Excellent service
Thoughtful delivery
Generous portions
Responsive team
Services
Drop-Off Catering
Our convenient drop-off catering service delivers pre-prepared meals directly to your location. Ideal for small office gatherings or family events, this option includes disposable serving ware and requires 72-hour notice. Clients receive hot, fresh meals packaged in aluminum pans or eco-friendly trays, with optional disposable chafers available for purchase. This budget-friendly solution maintains our quality standards while minimizing logistical complexity for clients.
Deluxe Drop-Off Catering
Elevate your event with our deluxe catering service featuring professional setup and cleanup. Our staff arrives one hour prior to arrange stainless steel chafers, beverage dispensers, and linen-draped tables. This option includes a dedicated service fee covering equipment rental and post-event tidying, ensuring a polished presentation without the hassle. Perfect for gatherings up to 75 guests requiring enhanced presentation but not on-site serving staff.
Full-Service Catering
Experience comprehensive event management with our full-service catering. Our team handles every detail from menu design to post-event cleanup, including on-site serving staff for guest interaction. Packages include premium disposable tableware, linen-draped tables, and professional food presentation. This premium option ensures seamless execution for events exceeding 75 guests, with customizable menus and dedicated event coordinator support throughout the planning process.
Dietary-Specific Catering
We accommodate diverse dietary needs with customized menu options. Our kitchen prepares verified gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and allergen-conscious meals following strict cross-contamination protocols. Clients receive detailed allergen disclosures and ingredient lists for informed decision-making. This service ensures all guests enjoy high-quality meals tailored to their nutritional requirements while maintaining the same exceptional flavor profile as our standard offerings.
Event Planning Service
Our expert planners guide clients through every stage of event preparation. From initial menu selection to final headcount confirmation, we provide personalized support including sample proposals, contract management, and timeline coordination. The service includes four planning stages with dedicated milestones ensuring timely execution, plus on-site management for full-service bookings to guarantee flawless event delivery.
People
Ashley Otler
Owner
Ashley founded Simply Plated in 2018, combining her culinary passion with community service. With over a decade in hospitality, she leads menu development and strategic partnerships while managing client relations.
Simon'e Lightfoot
Catering & Sales Administrator
Simon'e oversees catering operations and client communications, ensuring seamless service delivery. With eight years in event management, she coordinates logistics and maintains quality control across all service offerings.
Tameka Johnson
Executive Chef
Chef Tameka leads kitchen operations, creating innovative menus using seasonal ingredients. With 15 years of culinary expertise, she ensures consistent quality and develops dietary-specific options to meet client needs.
Questions
What catering service options do you offer?
We provide three service levels: standard drop-off catering with self-service setup, deluxe drop-off with professional presentation, and full-service catering with on-site staff assistance.
Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
Yes, we offer verified gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and allergen-conscious meal options with strict preparation protocols to prevent cross-contamination during service.
What is your minimum order requirement?
Minimum orders vary by service type: $250 for standard drop-off, $700 for deluxe drop-off, and $3,000 for full-service catering events.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least three months ahead for major events, though we accept reservations with 72-hour notice for smaller orders with applicable rush fees.
Do you provide event planning assistance?
Yes, our team offers comprehensive planning support including menu selection, proposal development, and timeline coordination through our four-step planning process.
Are tastings available for event planners?
We offer scheduled tastings at $30 per person with a five-person maximum, fully creditable toward your event balance when booking within 30 days.
