Business Details
44 Years
experience
Your Trusted Catering Partner for Over 40 Years
Rafaels Catering was founded in 1982 by Rafael and Ester Santos, whose culinary expertise stems from Rafael's 21-year US Navy career managing mess halls and culinary operations. Our family-owned business has served the Bay Area for over four decades, specializing in creating memorable dining experiences for weddings, baptisms, quinceaeras, cotillions, birthdays, retirements, and corporate events. In 2005, our founder's son Joe assumed leadership, introducing innovative menu options while maintaining our commitment to quality. Joe's wife Frankie joined full-time in 2019, bringing corporate experience to enhance our operations. Our team includes three generations of the Santos family alongside dedicated kitchen and delivery staff.We offer buffet-style packages tailored for 50-75 guests or larger events with 100+ attendees, featuring international and classic American cuisine. Our pricing starts at $21 per person for 11-item international menus, with delivery services covering areas up to 45 miles from Vallejo. With 40+ years of experience, we combine traditional culinary techniques with modern service standards. Our reputation for exceptional food quality and event execution has earned us featured status on platforms like The Knot, Google, Yelp, and Facebook. We maintain transparency in operations with clear pricing structures and a 2-3 day quote response time.
Services
Wedding Catering
Corporate Events
Buffet Packages
Quinceaera Catering
Birthday Parties
Retirement Celebrations
Menu Customization
Delivery Service
International Cuisine
Classic American
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of catering experience with family-led service
- Our buffet packages accommodate events from 50 to 200+ guests
- We provide international and classic American menu options
- Our team includes three generations of culinary professionals
- We maintain 97% customer satisfaction based on online reviews
What people say
Hidden gem
Great food, great prices
Outstanding food and service
Better catering service
Spectacular events
Services
Wedding Catering
Specializing in wedding catering with customizable menus for 50-200+ guests. Our offerings include international dishes and classic American fare served in buffet style. We provide complete service including delivery, heating equipment, and on-site support.
Corporate Events
Delivering professional catering solutions for corporate functions with menu options spanning from casual buffets to formal presentations. Our experienced team handles events of all sizes with reliable service and competitive pricing structures.
Buffet Packages
Offering tiered buffet packages featuring 7 items for 50-75 guests or 11 items for 100+ attendees. Menus combine international specialties like Menudo and Pancit with American classics including rotisserie chicken and roast beef.
Menu Customization
Providing flexible menu customization with substitutions available across both international and American cuisine offerings. Our team works with clients to create tailored dining experiences while maintaining strict quality standards.
Event Delivery
Comprehensive delivery service covering the Bay Area with pricing based on distance from Vallejo. Includes all necessary serving equipment, heating fuel, and professional setup for events of any scale.
People
Rafael Santos
Founder
US Navy veteran with 21 years culinary experience who established the business in 1982. Pioneered our signature buffet style service and international menu offerings.
Ester Santos
Co-Founder
Business partner with Rafael since founding in 1982. Instrumental in developing our customer service standards and operational framework during the company's formative years.
Joe Santos
Operations Manager
Third-generation leader who expanded menu options after assuming operations in 2005. Brings modern business practices while maintaining family culinary traditions.
Frankie Santos
Business Development
Joined full-time in 2019 with corporate experience enhancing our client relations and operational efficiency. Oversees business growth and customer satisfaction initiatives.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We cater weddings, quinceañeras, cotillions, baptisms, birthdays, retirements, and corporate events of all sizes.
What is your minimum guest requirement?
Our buffet packages start at 50 guests for standard menus and 100 guests for international options.
Do you offer menu customization?
Yes, we allow substitutions between our international and American menus with pricing adjustments as needed.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Vallejo, Benicia, American Canyon, and locations within 45 miles of our base.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend early reservations as our calendar fills quickly, especially during peak event seasons.
What is included in delivery service?
Delivery includes heating dishes, fuel, and serving utensils. Charges vary based on distance from Vallejo.
