Business Details
Your Trusted Phoenix Catering Partner
At Santa Barbara Catering, we have dedicated ourselves to redefining the art of event catering through innovation, quality, and personalized service. Founded on the principle that exceptional cuisine and meticulous attention to detail create unforgettable experiences, we have spent decades perfecting our craft. Our team of culinary experts combines seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with creative menu design to deliver restaurant-quality dining tailored to each client's vision. Recognized nationally for excellence, including accolades like the International Caterers Association Chef of the Year and CaterSource ACE Award, we maintain rigorous standards through certified processes and sustainable practices.Our commitment extends beyond eventswe actively reduce environmental impact through biodegradable materials, waste reduction programs, and partnerships with local farmers. With experience serving over 24,000 guests at single events, we combine operational expertise with a passion for culinary artistry. Our leadership team brings decades of combined industry experience, ensuring every event benefits from both institutional knowledge and fresh perspectives. We prioritize transparent communication, ethical business practices, and continuous improvement in environmental stewardship. This approach has earned us recognition as Arizona's top caterer and a trusted partner for thousands of successful events.
Services
Custom Catering
Event Planning
Venue Coordination
Corporate Events
Wedding Catering
Highlights and features
- Celebrating over 30 years of culinary excellence in Arizona
- Certified Woman-Owned Business with national industry recognition
- Pioneers in sustainable catering practices since 2007
- Proven track record serving events with up to 24,000 guests
- Award-winning chefs specializing in seasonal, locally sourced cuisine
Associations and certifications
- Certified Woman-Owned Business
What people say
Best food at wedding
Impeccable service
Flawless celebration
Creative menu options
Attentive staff
Services
Custom Catering
We create tailored culinary experiences using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Our menus adapt to client preferences while maintaining restaurant-quality standards. With over 30 years of expertise, we accommodate dietary restrictions and special requests while ensuring presentation excellence for events of any scale.
Wedding Catering
Specializing in wedding celebrations, we craft memorable dining experiences that reflect couples' unique tastes. From intimate gatherings to large-scale events, our team coordinates with venues and vendors to ensure perfect execution. Our menus feature creative options that consistently receive guest accolades.
Corporate Events
We deliver professional catering solutions for corporate functions ranging from small meetings to large conferences. Our service includes customized menus that meet diverse dietary needs while maintaining presentation standards that enhance brand image. We coordinate with venues to ensure seamless execution.
Venue Coordination
Our team provides comprehensive venue management services, working with top Phoenix and Scottsdale locations. We handle logistics, space optimization, and vendor coordination to create cohesive event experiences that align with client visions and practical requirements.
Sustainable Catering
We implement environmentally responsible practices including biodegradable serving materials, waste reduction programs, and local sourcing. Our sustainability initiatives help clients reduce event carbon footprints while maintaining high culinary standards through partnerships with regional producers.
People
Pat Christofolo
President
Industry leader with decades of catering experience, serving on the International Caterers Association Board. Recognized for culinary innovation and business leadership in Arizona's hospitality sector.
Lisa Tarsitano
Controller
Financial expert managing operational budgets and sustainability initiatives. Brings extensive experience in hospitality accounting and resource optimization to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Nikki Shaffer
General Manager
Oversees daily operations and service quality. With deep local knowledge, ensures consistent delivery of exceptional catering experiences across all event types and venues.
Rebekah McIntyre
Operations Manager
Coordinates logistics and vendor relationships. Specializes in streamlining event execution while maintaining high service standards across Phoenix and Scottsdale's premier venues.
Kristen Barraclough
Senior Sales Manager
Leads client relations and event planning. Expert in translating client visions into memorable experiences while ensuring operational feasibility and budget adherence.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We cater weddings, corporate events, private celebrations, and special occasions of all sizes across Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, our menus include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options with customized solutions for all dietary needs.
Do you work with specific venues?
We partner with top Phoenix and Scottsdale venues including The Farm at South Mountain and Desert Botanical Garden.
How do you ensure food quality?
We use seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from trusted Arizona producers and prepare everything fresh for each event.
Are sustainable practices available?
Yes, we offer biodegradable serving materials, waste reduction programs, and locally sourced ingredients for eco-friendly events.
What is your service area?
We primarily serve Phoenix and Scottsdale, with experience handling events throughout Arizona and the Southwest region.
Reviews (6)
Ashe Bali
Apr 24, 2022
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Kacy the event planner is the most unprofessional and rude person to work with. After many years of five star service this was unacceptable. Richard tried very hard to compensate for her unprofessionalism that left everyone feeling uncomfortable. He is still give stars in my book. Yet this is a score for my cumulative experience. So sad to see this go down hill so fast. Tina please make some changes this is so unlike your company.
K. White
Jan 29, 2020
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I can't say enough good things about this company, especially Nicole Jorgensen. They did the catering for my wedding last weekend and from the beginning of planning to the day of the event, they were absolutely helpful and professional and went above and beyond to make it spectacular. It started with a phenomenal tasting in which they listened to all of my dietary restrictions (I am gluten free and mostly keto/paleo).
They provided an amazing tasting menu and listened to the small changes we requested, and offered up even more options. From there on out Nicole went above and beyond, offering recommendations on anything we could possibly need for wedding planning and offering to connect us with her favorite vendors and suppliers. She did a walk through of the venue with us in the planning stages and offered amazingly helpful recommendations on so many things. The day of the wedding was flawless, she worked quietly and diligently behind the scenes to make sure everything went smoothly. I just can't say enough good things about this company and Nicole!
They provided an amazing tasting menu and listened to the small changes we requested, and offered up even more options. From there on out Nicole went above and beyond, offering recommendations on anything we could possibly need for wedding planning and offering to connect us with her favorite vendors and suppliers. She did a walk through of the venue with us in the planning stages and offered amazingly helpful recommendations on so many things. The day of the wedding was flawless, she worked quietly and diligently behind the scenes to make sure everything went smoothly. I just can't say enough good things about this company and Nicole!
Kristen Iwuc
May 14, 2019
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I went to event about a month ago that was catered by Artisan by Santa Barbara Catering, the food was spectacular! We had churro fritters for dessert and they were to die for. The staff was so attentive and friendly, I will definitely have them cater my next party.
John R. Scott
Mar 27, 2019
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I have attended mutlriole high-end events in the valley over the past couple of years and time after time the food has been the work of Artisan by Santa Barbera Catering. I can only say that I hope more events have them, as the menus are always top notch and something I would only expect at a fine dining restaurant, so the fact they can do this for large events again and again, has earned a 5 star review. Keep up the amazing work!
Brittany Tellez
Jan 29, 2019
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By far the best caterer in the State! We had Artisan by SBC cater our wedding last November, and our friends and family are STILL raving about the food!
Stephanie Hiller-Slezak
Jan 06, 2019
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Amazing Staff, Great Food and Creative ideas! The only caterer I use in the valley. Everythings fresh, and full of flavor.
