Business Details
Your Trusted Catering Partner in Harrisonburg, VA
At Early Katering, we specialize in creating unforgettable culinary experiences tailored to your vision. With over a decade of expertise in event catering, our team meticulously handles every detail from menu design to cleanup, ensuring seamless execution for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings. We prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced locally to craft flavorful dishes that impress guests and reflect our commitment to excellence. Our dedicated staff, trained in both formal and casual service styles, delivers personalized attention to every event, whether hosted at our Rocktown Terrace venue or an off-site location. Serving Harrisonburg and surrounding areas, we combine professionalism with warmth to make your event stress-free and memorable.Client satisfaction remains our top priority, as evidenced by our 100% repeat customer rate and glowing testimonials praising our food quality and service reliability. We maintain full Virginia ABC licensing for bar services and offer customizable packages to accommodate dietary restrictions, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. Our venue, The Terrace at Rocktown, provides a sophisticated setting for up to 120 guests with modern amenities and flexible seating arrangements. Through transparent communication and detailed planning consultations, we ensure every client's expectations are not just met but exceeded. With a proven track record of successful events, Early Katering stands as a trusted partner for creating exceptional catering experiences.
Services
On-Site Catering
Off-Site Catering
Venue Rental
Custom Menu Design
Bar Services
Event Planning
Dietary Accommodations
Drop-Off Catering
Wedding Catering
Corporate Catering
Highlights and features
- We use only fresh, high-quality meats and produce for all dishes
- Our experienced team handles events from 10 to 120+ guests seamlessly
- We offer both on-site and off-site catering with customizable menus
- Our staff maintains 18+ years of combined catering experience
- We provide full-service catering including setup, service, and cleanup
Associations and certifications
- Virginia ABC
What people say
Delicious food
Excellent service
Stress-free experience
Professional staff
Beautiful venue
Services
On-Site Catering
Host your event at our elegant Rocktown Terrace venue with full-service catering. Our team manages everything from setup to cleanup while serving chef-prepared meals using fresh ingredients. Perfect for weddings and corporate events with seating for up to 120 guests.
Off-Site Catering
Bring our culinary expertise to your chosen location with customized menus and professional service. We handle all equipment and logistics for events ranging from backyard gatherings to corporate luncheons. Available with buffet, plated, or family-style service options.
Custom Menu Design
Create personalized menus tailored to your event's theme and dietary requirements. Our culinary team works with you to develop unique dishes using fresh, high-quality ingredients while accommodating special requests and family recipes.
Bar Services
Professional bartending services featuring beer, wine, and spirits. Available as hosted or cash bars with Virginia ABC licensed staff. Includes all necessary glassware and service equipment for your event.
Dietary Accommodations
Comprehensive dietary solutions including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options. Our team coordinates with guests to ensure safe food preparation and proper labeling for all dietary requirements.
People
Grace
Event Coordinator
With 8 years of event planning experience, Grace specializes in coordinating seamless catering experiences. She maintains direct client communication from initial planning through event execution, ensuring all details align with client visions.
Craig
Service Manager
Craig oversees on-site service operations with 12 years in hospitality management. He ensures staff performance meets quality standards and handles real-time coordination during events to maintain exceptional service delivery.
Brynne
Catering Director
Brynne manages menu development and culinary operations with expertise in large-scale event catering. She coordinates kitchen staff and food preparation logistics to maintain consistent quality across all events.
Questions
What catering service options do you offer?
We provide on-site catering at our Rocktown Terrace venue, off-site catering for external locations, and drop-off catering with pre-packaged meals for self-service events.
How do you handle dietary restrictions?
Our team accommodates gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-specific requirements. We require advance notice to properly coordinate special meal preparations and prevent cross-contamination.
What is included in your venue rental?
Venue rental includes tables, chairs, tablecloths, and access to our banquet facilities. Our catering services include full setup, service during events, and complete cleanup afterward.
Do you require service staff gratuity?
We include an 18% service charge for staff gratuity in our proposals. Bartender tip jars remain at the host's discretion for events requiring alcohol service.
Can we customize our event menu?
Yes, we offer full menu customization with tasting sessions available for $25 per person. Our culinary team works with clients to develop personalized menus that match their event vision.
What payment terms do you require?
A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your event date. 50% payment is due 30 days before the event, with the remaining balance due 14 days prior to the scheduled date.
Reviews (5)
Leah Walton
Jun 26, 2022
Report
The Gerber Family are so thankful for everything the Barn at Klines Mill and Early Catering did for our family. They made everything we had imagined come to life and then some. From all the planning they helped this crazy mom with to following through on everything. The food was OUT OF THIS WORLD! I had people coming up to me and saying it's the best reception food they have ever had. Thank you Debbie and Danielle for all of your help and Thank you Mrs Kay Early for being a Superb hostess. What a blessing you were. God bless you all.
Robert Klein
Jun 09, 2022
Report
Outstanding company and we were so happy with how well our event went. From the first day we met for a tasting, we could tell they were interested in making our wedding special and were grateful to have the opportunity to cater it. Debbie was a true joy to work with and her level attention was above and beyond. She put us at ease and provided creative input that made our day so special. It was so much fun and Early Katering made it so easy that we want to do it again! No doubt they will continue to be one the favorite catering companies in the Shenandoah area.
Lorie Miller
Jun 08, 2022
Report
Had our 40th high school reunion at this location and everything was absolutely wonderful! From Debbie assisting us with the menu, setups and day of decorations, this was a great venue and catering experience. The food was great along with the bartender for our cash bar!
Valerie Long
Jun 06, 2022
Report
I am so happy to give a shout out to our wedding reception planner Debbie and Early catering as well as their staff for making my wedding day perfect! From the time I met Debbie, I knew we were going to be taken care of. She is warm, caring, and was genuinely excited about helping to plan our day! She also went above and beyond to check-in, calm our nerves, and reassure us when we had questions and concerns.
The food was great, and the staff made it so easy. I didn't have to worry about a thing! They took care of every detail to make our day special-like filling the water glasses, lighting the table candles before our guests arrived, and preparing our plates ahead of time so that we had something to eat after our first dance. I am both grateful and thankful for their dedication, and for Deb's servant leadership. Thank-you Early Catering!
The food was great, and the staff made it so easy. I didn't have to worry about a thing! They took care of every detail to make our day special-like filling the water glasses, lighting the table candles before our guests arrived, and preparing our plates ahead of time so that we had something to eat after our first dance. I am both grateful and thankful for their dedication, and for Deb's servant leadership. Thank-you Early Catering!
Tamara Stergion
May 24, 2022
Report
Wonderful experience from start to finish for our JMU graduation celebration dinner. Melissa was wonderful to work with and the whole team is great. Food was all delicious we had a lot of full and happy guests. The stars of the night were Sally and Emily who took care of everything so we could enjoy our evening. They took care of clean up and are grateful for their amazing help. Highly recommend!
