Big City Catering
Big City Catering is a privately held, Orlando-based full-service catering company providing food, beverage, staffing, and event coordination for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions across Central Florida, with preferred vendor status at 16+ venues.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersOrlando, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Big City Catering does
Big City Catering is a privately held, founder-owned full-service catering company headquartered in Orlando, Florida, that provides event catering for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions across Central Florida. The company operates on a project-based, per-event revenue model with quote-based pricing that scales with guest count, menu complexity, service style, and whether the engagement is menu-only, full-service, or premium. Per-person pricing ranges from $45–$65 for menu-only events to $75–$105 for full-service events (food, beverages, staffing, and equipment rentals), with premium events exceeding $200 per person. The company employs more than 70 team members — including a CIA-trained Executive Chef, a sous chef (Latin cuisine specialist since 2004), event managers, and dedicated catering sales/account managers — collectively bringing over 100 years of hospitality management experience and a track record of executing events from intimate V.I.P. dinners to 20,000-guest conventions.
The product offering is organized into three core service categories: Wedding Catering (with beverage packages, hors d'oeuvres, dinner buffets, plated dinners, and late-night bites), Corporate Catering (express breakfast, lunch, dinner, box lunches, action stations, desserts), and Special Event Catering (themed buffets including Southern, Tropical, Tuscan, Brunch, Holiday, and Fall-inspired menus). Distribution is dominated by direct sales supplemented by preferred-vendor relationships with 16+ Central Florida venues — including Luxmore Grande Estate, Cypress Grove Estate House, Lake Mary Events Center, and Orlando Science Center — and a GTM partnership with Blue Ribbon Weddings/The Knot. The company provides end-to-end event coordination including venue sourcing, menu design, logistics management, equipment rentals, and audio/visual assistance.
The business model is operationally labor-intensive with no proprietary technology, no AI/ML capabilities, no app, and no external funding. Ownership is concentrated in founder Tom Pokorny, who acquired the predecessor Fenwick Caterers and developed the Big City Catering concept. The go-to-market is sales-led and relationship-driven, relying on venue referral channels, wedding industry platforms, and word-of-mouth. The company is fully founder-owned with no evidence of institutional investment, M&A activity, or public listing.
Big City Catering firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Big City Catering
- Legal name
- Big City Catering, Inc.
- Website
- https://bigcitycatering.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Big City Catering is a privately held, Orlando-based full-service catering company providing food, beverage, staffing, and event coordination for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions across Central Florida, with preferred vendor status at 16+ venues.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Big City Catering industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Event Catering Services
- NAICS
- Caterers (722320), Food Service Contractors (722310)
- SIC
- Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Full-Service Catering (Off-Premise) (HSACAGAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Wedding & Reception Catering (HSACAGAD), Event Catering (Weddings, Social, Private Parties) (THAFAIAB), Corporate & Business Event Catering (THAHAKAA)
Keywords
Where Big City Catering is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Orlando
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Big City Catering business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Event Catering Services: Full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. Pricing varies by event complexity, menu selections, service style, and guest count. Simple events start at $45-65 per person for menu only, with full event averages (food, beverages, staffing, rentals) ranging $75-105 per person, and premium events exceeding $200 per person.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time | Simple event pricing - menu only |
| Unit Pricing | One time | Full event average (comprehensive) |
| Unit Pricing | One time | Premium/luxury events |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Big City Catering product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Big City Catering provides full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions across Central Florida. Offerings include custom menu design across multiple service styles (buffet, plated, action stations, passed hors d'oeuvres), beverage packages, professional staffing, equipment rentals, venue coordination, and logistics planning. Pricing is quote-based and ranges from $45-65 per person for menu-only service to $75-105 per person for full-service events, with premium events exceeding $200 per person.
Product overview
Big City Catering is a full-service catering company offering wedding, corporate, and special event catering services. The core offerings include customizable menu packages across three main service categories: Wedding Catering (with beverage packages, hors d'oeuvres, dinner buffets, plated dinners, and late-night bites), Corporate Catering (with express breakfast, lunch, dinner, box lunches, stations, and desserts), and Special Event Catering (with themed menus including Southern Buffet, Tropical Buffet, Tuscan Dinner, Brunch Buffet, Holiday Menu, and Fall Inspired Menu). The company provides menu personalization through chef consultations, venue coordination assistance, logistics planning, and equipment rentals. Pricing ranges from $45-65 per person for menu-only to $75-105 per person for full event services including food, beverages, staffing, and rentals.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Wedding Catering Services Full-service wedding catering including customized menus, beverage packages, hors d'oeuvres, dinner buffets, plated dinners, and late-night bites, with personal chef consultations and menu personalization for each couple.
- Corporate Catering Services Corporate event catering including express breakfast, lunch, dinner, box lunches, action stations, and desserts, with venue sourcing, menu customization, logistics coordination, and audio/visual assistance.
- Special Event Catering Services Special event catering featuring themed menus including Southern Buffet, Tropical Buffet, Tuscan Dinner, Brunch Buffet, Holiday Menu, and Fall Inspired Menu, with custom-tailored experiences based on client needs and budget.
Companies that use Big City Catering
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Big City Catering technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Big City Catering partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Luxmore Grande EstatecorePreferred catering vendor at this picturesque lakefront property in Winter Springs, Florida on 5 acres with gated access. Venue hosts corporate luncheons, meetings, social gatherings, rehearsal dinners, and weddings. Partnership promises luxurious setting, impeccable cuisine, and stellar customer service.
- Cypress Grove Estate HousecorePreferred catering vendor at this vintage 1925 colonial estate on 80 acres along Lake Jessamine in Central Florida. Venue serves destination weddings, wedding receptions, cocktail parties, corporate events, and holiday celebrations.
- Lake Mary Events CentercorePreferred vendor at this premier corporate and social Central Florida event venue in downtown Lake Mary on the shore of West Crystal Lake. Venue hosts business meetings, weddings, receptions, banquets, parties, and retreats.
- Tavares Pavilion on the LakecorePreferred vendor at this 8,000-square-foot over-water event facility in Wooton Park. Features 150-foot brick-paved pier with ornamental railing and gas lamps. Perfect location for weddings and important events.
- The MulberrymajorPreferred vendor at this traditional style white barn venue with modern twist, featuring 6,000 square feet with views of giant oaks through windows, bar, and patio area. Perfect blend of rustic features with southern elegance.
- The Delamater HousemajorPreferred vendor at this elegant farmhouse style venue in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Unique style combining elegance and farmhouse aesthetics perfect for weddings and events.
- Granville FarmsmajorPreferred vendor at this 7,000 square-foot barn venue nestled among 22 acres of pine trees in Lake Helen, Florida. Dream destination for couples seeking tranquil beauty and luxurious comfort.
- Orlando Science CentermajorPreferred vendor at this venue with indoor and outdoor settings available for ceremonies, receptions, and seated dinners. Features breathtaking views of downtown Orlando and lakefront ceremony options alongside dinosaurs and stargazing.
- Sterling Event VenuemajorPreferred vendor at this Tuscan-style wedding venue on 23 acres in Minneola, FL. Private oasis of rustic elegance with Italian Cypress trees, stonework, and dreamy amenities on rolling hills and lakes.
- Bella Cosa VenuemajorPreferred vendor at this exclusive use wedding venue on the shores of Lake Pierce. Breath-taking views and luxurious interiors provide endless magical photo opportunities.
- Paradise CovecorePreferred vendor at this lakeside wedding venue in Orlando featuring white sandy beaches, swaying palms, cypress trees, and scenic beauty of Lake Bryan.
- Villa FestaminorPreferred vendor at this historic venue offering a unique event space and fun-filled vacation experience.
- Venue 650minorPreferred vendor at this 10,500 square foot venue with high ceilings, oversized windows, and views of lush gardens.
- Capen HouseminorPreferred vendor at this lakefront elegance venue nestled on three acres at Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park. Multiple celebration options for all sizes.
- Brannon CenterminorPreferred vendor at this venue offering over 8,000 square feet of stunning space with tables and chairs for up to 400 guests and jaw-dropping views.
- Lavender on the LakeminorPreferred vendor at this family-owned fresh cut flower farm and hops yard on Lake Tohopekaliga in Saint Cloud, Florida. Hosts seasonal U-Pick events and uses plant processing space for events including weddings.
- Blue Ribbon Weddings (The Knot)coreFeatured and recommended wedding vendor partner through The Knot platform. Collaborative relationship on many weddings with mutual referrals of couples seeking top-notch catering experiences.
- KRONOSmajorEnterprise client for whom Big City Catering executed a large-scale executive event. Turned a park into a Backyard Red Carpet BBQ Bash with Tiki torches, market lighting, fire pits, and Jimmy Buffet tribute band entertainment.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Big City Catering competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Centerplate: Event-catering provider serving stadiums, arenas, and convention centers across the U.S. Overlaps with Big City Catering's large-scale convention execution capabilities.
- Aramark: Global foodservice and event-catering provider with a presence in sports, conventions, and corporate dining. Represents the broad-incumbent competitor for large-scale convention and corporate contracts that Big City Catering also pursues.
- Sodexo Live!: Hospitality and event-catering arm of Sodexo focused on sports venues, conventions, and large events. Comparable in capability for high-end, large-scale events and a credible competitor for premium corporate and convention contracts.
Direct peers
- John Michael's Special Occasions: Longwood/Orlando-area caterer providing full-service wedding and corporate-event catering in Central Florida. Overlapping service portfolio, price tier, and venue network make it a direct local competitor.
- Cocktails Catering & Events: Orlando full-service off-premise caterer focused on weddings and corporate events. Competes head-to-head with Big City Catering at shared Central Florida venues and on wedding platforms.
- Forte Catering & Event Services: Orlando-based event caterer providing weddings, corporate catering, and large-scale event production. Comparable service breadth and Central Florida focus.
- Pavone's Catering: Long-standing Orlando-based full-service caterer offering wedding, corporate, and social-event catering across Central Florida. Directly competes with Big City Catering for the same venue partnerships, wedding couples, and corporate clients in the same geography.
- Cuisiniers Catering & Specialty Foods: Central Florida full-service caterer offering custom menus for weddings, corporate, and social events. Comparable in scale, service model, and venue-partnership-driven go-to-market approach.
- Arthur's Catering: Orlando-based full-service off-premise caterer specializing in weddings, corporate events, and galas in Central Florida. Closely comparable in service model, venue-partnership-driven GTM, and premium positioning to Big City Catering.
Emerging players
- ezCater: Corporate catering marketplace connecting businesses with local caterers. Overlaps with Big City Catering's corporate segment from the demand side and could either be a distribution channel or a competitive threat as workplace catering goes digital.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Big City Catering social profiles
Digital presenceBig City Catering financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Big City Catering leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Big City Catering funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Big City Catering M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Big City Catering
What does Big City Catering do?
Big City Catering provides full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions across Central Florida. Offerings include custom menu design across multiple service styles (buffet, plated, action stations, passed hors d'oeuvres), beverage packages, professional staffing, equipment rentals, venue coordination, and logistics planning. Pricing is quote-based and ranges from $45-65 per person for menu-only service to $75-105 per person for full-service events, with premium events exceeding $200 per person.
Is Big City Catering a public or private company?
Big City Catering is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Big City Catering founded?
Big City Catering was founded in 2003. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Big City Catering based?
Big City Catering is headquartered in Orlando, United States, in the North America region.
How does Big City Catering make money?
One revenue line is on record: event Catering Services.
Who are Big City Catering's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Centerplate, Aramark and Sodexo Live!. Direct peers are John Michael's Special Occasions, Cocktails Catering & Events, Forte Catering & Event Services, Pavone's Catering, Cuisiniers Catering & Specialty Foods and Arthur's Catering. ezCater is listed as an emerging player.
Does Big City Catering have an API?
No public API is recorded for Big City Catering.
What industry is Big City Catering in?
Big City Catering's product category is Event Catering Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSACAGAA, Full-Service Catering (Off-Premise), with a secondary code of HSACAGAD, Wedding & Reception Catering. Its NAICS code is 722320 and its SIC code is 5810.