Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Trusted Catering Partner in Chicago
Hearty Boys Catering has been redefining Chicago's event catering landscape for over two decades through our unique blend of urban sophistication and approachable charm. Founded by award-winning chefs Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh, our company combines Michelin-recommended culinary expertise with a family-run ethos that ensures personal involvement in every event. With extensive experience across weddings, corporate functions, and social gatherings, we specialize in creating customized dining experiences that reflect each client's vision while maintaining consistent quality and innovative presentation.Our team of seasoned professionals, including dedicated event planners and skilled culinary staff, brings decades of collective experience to every project. We maintain industry leadership through our commitment to fresh ingredients, creative menu development, and exceptional service standards that have earned us recognition from The Chicago Tribune and Food Network. Our comprehensive approach covers every detail from initial concept to final execution, ensuring memorable experiences that consistently exceed client expectations.
Services
Wedding Catering
Corporate Catering
Social Events
Beverage Programs
Holiday Orders
Private Events
Menu Customization
Event Planning
Delivery Services
Recipe Development
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in event catering across Chicago
- Our team includes award-winning chefs with Michelin recommendations
- Dedicated event planners provide personalized service for each client
- We offer comprehensive catering solutions for weddings, corporate, and social events
- Commitment to quality ingredients ensures exceptional dining experiences
What people say
Amazing service
Delicious food
Highly recommend
Professional and thoughtful
Exceeded expectations
Services
Wedding Catering
Specializing in wedding catering, we create customized dining experiences that reflect each couple's unique vision. Our expert planners coordinate menus, timelines, and logistics while our culinary team delivers exceptional cuisine. With thousands of successfully executed receptions, we ensure stress-free planning and flawless execution for Chicago's modern couples.
Corporate Catering
Our corporate catering combines imaginative menus with reliable service for business events of all sizes. We provide dedicated account management, consistent quality control, and timely delivery. From breakfast meetings to holiday parties, our experienced team ensures professional execution that meets corporate needs while impressing clients and employees alike.
Beverage Programs
Led by mixologist Steve McDonagh, our beverage programs feature craft cocktails using premium spirits and house-made ingredients. We offer signature drink creation, vintage cocktail bars, and comprehensive beverage solutions that complement our culinary offerings and enhance any event's atmosphere.
Holiday Orders
Our holiday catering provides gourmet meal options for Thanksgiving and other celebrations. We offer pre-prepared dishes with detailed cooking instructions, ensuring high-quality meals for family gatherings. The menu features multiple courses with pricing options to accommodate various group sizes and budgets.
Social Events
From intimate dinners to large celebrations, our social event catering delivers creative menus and comprehensive planning. We handle all aspects including rentals, staffing, and vendor coordination. Our team specializes in creating memorable experiences that reflect each client's personal style and budget requirements.
People
Dan Smith
Executive Chef & Owner
Award-winning chef with three Michelin-recommended restaurants, Food Network personality, and culinary instructor. Brings over 20 years of experience creating innovative menus and leading professional kitchen teams in Chicago's event catering industry.
Steve McDonagh
Co-Owner & Mixologist
Recognized mixologist with over a decade of experience pioneering Chicago's craft cocktail movement. Author of 'The New Old Bar' cocktail guide, specializing in historical cocktail research and beverage program development for events.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We specialize in weddings, corporate events, social gatherings, and holiday celebrations with customized menus and comprehensive service solutions.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Yes, our culinary team creates menus that accommodate various dietary requirements while maintaining exceptional flavor and presentation standards.
Do you provide event planning services?
Yes, we offer full-service planning including menu development, vendor coordination, and timeline management for weddings and events.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily serving Chicago and surrounding areas with delivery and on-site catering services for various event types.
Can I customize my event menu?
Yes, our chefs work with clients to create tailored menus that reflect their preferences while offering creative culinary options.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance for weddings, with corporate events typically planned 3-6 months ahead.
