Best Catering Company

Picnic Basket Catering, Cravings Special Events

In 1989, with $600 and big dreams, two friends got together and launched the business that now encompasses Picnic Basket Catering, Buffalo Gals Catering and Cravings Five Star Catering.

The business was founded by Michelle Talarico and Kathy Dreiling. The two “combined their love of food, fun and $300 each to pursue adventures in catering and event planning,” the company’s website said.

“We believe you get out what you put in,” Talarico said. “ If you expect to produce amazing events, put the work in.”

And for the past 22 years, Picnic Basket has received kudos, awards and “best of” nods. The reason is clear: “… The Picnic Basket family of companies maintains the original commitment to delicious food, top-notch service and our community partners,” said the company’s website.

And Talarico credits the company’s culture for the success.

“Kathy and I still work 60-plus hours a week,” she said. “We treat our staff like we treat our clients.”

Quality is the major goal of the Picnic Basket, reflected in its mission statement: “Building trusting relationships with our catering customers is our No. 1 priority. We are dedicated to serving fresh and delicious food with an emphasis on artistic presentation and ingenuity.”

And the future? Talarico says the company will continue to grow — possibly with a Buffalo Gals restaurant concept.

Web: pbcatering.com | Phone: 719-635-0200

2. Garden of the Gods Gourmet

Web: godsmarketandcafe.com | 719-471-2799

3. Front Range Barbecue

Web: frbbq.com | Phone: 719-632-2596