Business Details
25 Years
experience
Your Trusted Catering Partner in Santa Barbara
Pure Joy Catering has been crafting exceptional culinary experiences since 2001, specializing in full-service off-premise catering for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations. Our team of seasoned professionals combines decades of collective experience with a passion for creating memorable moments through custom-designed menus, rentals, and event coordination. Founded by Executive Chef Lynette La Mere as a single-mother-led business, we've grown into a trusted industry leader while maintaining our commitment to quality, innovation, and client satisfaction.Our Santa Barbara-based facility houses both a commercial kitchen and extensive dcor inventory, enabling seamless collaboration between culinary and planning teams. Recognized as Santa Barbara Independent's Best Caterer, we pride ourselves on exceeding expectations through attention to detail, personalized service, and a dedication to sourcing the finest local ingredients. As members of the elite Leading Caterers of America, we maintain the highest standards of excellence while making complex event execution feel effortless for our clients.
Services
Wedding Catering
Corporate Events
Celebration Catering
Venue Selection
Event Rentals
Menu Design
Full-Service Coordination
Decor Services
Beverage Services
Specialty Catering
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialized catering expertise with a 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Our team includes certified culinary professionals with international experience
- We maintain exclusive partnerships with top Santa Barbara County venues
- Our patented event coordination process ensures flawless execution
- Recognized as Santa Barbara Independent's Best Caterer for 5 consecutive years
Associations and certifications
- Leading Caterers of America
What people say
Delicious food
Impeccable service
Flawless execution
Creative menu design
Attentive staff
Services
Wedding Catering
Our wedding catering combines culinary excellence with meticulous planning to create unforgettable celebrations. We offer custom menu design, venue coordination, and full-service execution for ceremonies and receptions. Our experienced team handles every detail from tastings to day-of service, ensuring stress-free experiences for couples and exceptional dining experiences for guests. With expertise in both intimate gatherings and large-scale events, we bring creative visions to life while maintaining strict adherence to quality standards and client budgets.
Corporate Events
We specialize in creating impactful corporate events that leave lasting impressions. Our services include conference catering, product launches, and executive retreats with customized menus and professional service. Our team understands the unique requirements of business events, providing seamless coordination with AV teams, venue staff, and client representatives. From casual networking events to formal galas, we deliver consistent quality and exceptional presentation that aligns with brand messaging and corporate objectives.
Event Coordination
Our comprehensive event coordination covers every aspect from initial planning to final execution. We provide dedicated event specialists who work closely with clients to develop timelines, coordinate vendors, and manage logistics. Our proprietary planning system ensures no detail is overlooked, while our industry relationships facilitate access to premier venues and preferred vendor networks. This service guarantees smooth operations and contingency planning to handle any unexpected challenges during event execution.
Custom Menu Design
Our menu design service leverages the expertise of award-winning chefs to create personalized dining experiences. We offer tastings with ingredient sourcing from local farmers and producers, with options for dietary restrictions and cultural preferences. The process includes presentation design, portion planning, and cost optimization while maintaining culinary creativity. Our approach ensures menus that reflect client personalities while delivering exceptional flavor profiles and visual presentation.
Venue Services
We provide expert venue selection and management services for events of all sizes. Our curated database includes over 120 locations across Santa Barbara County with established relationships ensuring priority access. Our team handles site inspections, capacity planning, and logistical coordination while providing insights on layout optimization and dcor integration. This service extends to permit acquisition, insurance requirements, and compliance with local regulations for seamless event execution.
People
Lynette La Mere
Founding Executive Chef, Owner
With over 40 years in culinary arts, Lynette established Pure Joy Catering as a single mother and has grown it into an award-winning business while raising two sons. Her passion for off-premise catering has led thousands of successful events.
Patrick Ward
Senior Event Specialist
Patrick brings legendary enthusiasm and expertise to event planning, specializing in transforming client visions into memorable experiences through his 20+ years of managing complex events and understanding client needs.
Marguerite Cerredo
Executive Chef
Trained at August Escoffier School, Marguerite brings French culinary expertise to Pure Joy after working in Florida and Santa Barbara. Her leadership and passion for perfecting simple dishes make her a valuable team member.
Alizabeth Schotten
V.P. of Event Perfection
Known as the 'Viking Princess,' Alizabeth excels at managing complex event details with precision, ensuring flawless execution from proposal stage through final event plans with her meticulous approach.
Shayna Cogan
Business & Marketing Manager
A Santa Barbara native with a successful industry track record, Shayna combines organizational excellence with creative energy to lead business development and marketing initiatives.
Questions
What types of events do you specialize in?
We specialize in weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations with full-service catering and coordination.
Do you work with clients outside Santa Barbara?
Yes, we serve events throughout California's Central Coast and Wine Country regions.
Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
We offer gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and custom dietary options for all events.
What's included in your full-service catering package?
Our packages include menu design, rentals, staffing, décor, and complete event coordination.
How far in advance should I book your services?
We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance for weekends during peak season.
Do you provide venue recommendations?
Yes, we offer curated venue suggestions and have established partnerships with local locations.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Galen Johnson
Dec 23, 2019
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Unbelievable! Patrick was so incredibly helpful from the very moment we started planning. He's a true professional and knows just about everything that goes into hosting the best weddings in Santa Barbara. His team made our reception absolutely beautiful - from the appetizer stations, to the food displays, and bar. And they coordinated it perfectly - there was never a moment in which anyone was left wanting. Maybe they were just being nice, but all our guests GUSHED over the food and desserts. Truly a great catering operation and could not be more grateful to Patrick and his team! Thank you Pure Joy!
Kevin Smith
Jun 24, 2019
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The entire Pure Joy team was amazing! In particular, Ellen was an extraordinary partner in helping me and my husband design and execute a beautiful menu for our wedding. We had peace of mind at each step in the process (even during our big day) because Pure Joy is truly the best. Paying a little more than some other local vendors was totally worth it - the food was so fresh and delicious and they paid attention to every small detail. I would highly recommend them to anyone planning a wedding or any other event when you want to deliver an extraordinary experience to your guests.
Curtis Kwast
Nov 07, 2018
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If you're thinking about using pure joy catering don't think just do! They're absolutely amazing. Every person that we dealt with was so accommodating. They made us feel comfortable with our choices and we're so knowledgeable in every aspect of our wedding. The food stations and main courses were definitely some of the best food we have ever had! Presentation was on point just as the service was. We highly recommended using Pure joy catering for your next event. Way to go guys you rock!
Cougar Oswald
May 20, 2018
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I attended a Pure Joy wedding in Santa Barbara recently - they are awesome! The food stations were all incredible. Super creative flavor combinations with nearly all local ingredients, and everything was delicious! The shrimp skewers with (some kind of) zesty seasoning and cilantro dip - ROCKED MY WORLD. Keep it up, PJ!
Bradley Bennett
Feb 19, 2018
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We had an incredible experience working with Pure Joy for our wedding this past November. As lovers of food, we had high expectations for our caterer and Pure Joy did not disappoint. Our menu was unique and Lynette did the research to make the menu of our dreams and the team executed it with perfection. We continue to be told by our friends and family that it was hands down the best food they had ever tasted at a wedding.
Beyond the food, Pure Joy handled the entire event planning process and the execution on the day of went without a hitch. We had numerous events and stations throughout the event. Each area was setup and torn down throughout the evening without the guests noticing and a great time was had by all. I'll never have to hire another wedding caterer for myself, but I'll happily recommend Pure Joy to anyone on the hunt! You won't be disappointed.
Beyond the food, Pure Joy handled the entire event planning process and the execution on the day of went without a hitch. We had numerous events and stations throughout the event. Each area was setup and torn down throughout the evening without the guests noticing and a great time was had by all. I'll never have to hire another wedding caterer for myself, but I'll happily recommend Pure Joy to anyone on the hunt! You won't be disappointed.
