Business Details
50 Years
experience
Award-Winning Catering Services in Tampa
Catering By The Family has been a cornerstone of Tampa Bay's catering industry since 1976. Our journey began with The Family Sandwich Shoppe, where we established a reputation for quality that led to three Tampa Tribune Cuban Sandwich Contest victories. Over four decades, we've evolved from a local sandwich shop to a full-service catering company with a 17,500-square-foot facility, offering chef-driven cuisine crafted by 25 professional chefs and supported by 75-100 part-time event staff. Our team's expertise spans from intimate private dinners to large-scale corporate events, with a commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.We combine culinary innovation with personalized service, tailoring menus to client preferences while maintaining strict attention to presentation and flavor. Our staff's professionalism and dedication to flawless execution have earned us relationships with premier venues across Tampa Bay and Sarasota. As a family-run business, we maintain the same values that guided our founders, treating both clients and employees with the respect and care that define our brand. Our history of adapting to industry trends while preserving our core principles ensures we remain at the forefront of catering excellence in the region.
Services
Wedding Catering
Corporate Events
Private Home Dining
Custom Menus
BBQ Menus
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer four decades of catering experience in Tampa Bay
- Our 25 professional chefs create custom, chef-driven menus weekly
- Professional staff trained in flawless event execution
- Commitment to locally sourced, high-quality ingredients
- Proven track record with weddings and corporate events
What people say
Best servers
Amazing food
Delicious
Professional team
Flawless execution
Services
Wedding Catering
Our wedding catering service combines culinary excellence with meticulous planning to create unforgettable dining experiences. With over four decades of experience in Tampa Bay, we specialize in custom menus that reflect each couple's unique tastes. Our team of 25 chefs and 100+ event staff ensures flawless execution, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, using locally sourced ingredients and presentation-focused techniques.
Corporate Events
We provide comprehensive catering solutions for corporate functions ranging from breakfast meetings to formal dinners. Our service includes menu customization to match event themes and budgets, with options from boxed lunches to plated dinners. With relationships at 20+ Tampa venues and a fleet of service staff, we guarantee timely delivery and professional presentation for any business occasion.
Private Home Dining
The Elite Division brings restaurant-quality dining to private residences through our classically trained chefs. We transform homes into five-star dining venues with customized menus and professional service. This exclusive offering includes setup, cooking, and cleanup, allowing hosts to enjoy gourmet experiences without leaving their homes while impressing guests with culinary creativity.
Custom Menus
Our chefs create dozens of custom menus weekly, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques. We work directly with clients to develop menus that match dietary preferences, event themes, and budget requirements. From Cuban-inspired dishes rooted in our heritage to contemporary fusion cuisine, each menu receives individual attention to presentation and flavor balance.
BBQ Menus
We offer specialized BBQ catering featuring slow-cooked meats and traditional Southern sides. Our menu options include build-your-own platters and buffet-style service with carving stations. The BBQ division maintains our quality standards while providing casual dining options for outdoor events, combining professional execution with approachable, flavorful dishes.
People
Steven Gonzalez Sr.
Owner
Founder and owner with over 40 years in the catering industry, Steven actively participates in daily operations and maintains the family values that guide the company's approach to service and quality.
Steven Gonzalez Jr.
Lead Chef
Executive chef bringing New Orleans culinary influences to Tampa Bay, Steven Jr. leads the kitchen team in creating innovative menus while maintaining the quality standards established by the company's decades of experience.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We cater weddings, corporate events, private home dinners, and social gatherings of all sizes in Tampa Bay and Sarasota regions.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance for weddings, with corporate events typically requiring 3-6 months of lead time.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, our chefs create customized menus to accommodate all dietary needs including vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options.
Do you provide event staffing?
We provide fully trained wait staff, event managers, and support personnel for all our catering services.
What is your cancellation policy?
We offer flexible credit options for postponed events, as demonstrated during the pandemic when we maintained client funds for future use.
How do you ensure food quality?
We use locally sourced ingredients and maintain strict preparation standards, with multiple quality checks before any dish leaves our kitchen.
