Great Events Catering
Great Events Catering is a Key West, Florida-based full-service catering company serving weddings, corporate events, social events, private chef experiences, yacht charters, and takeout meals across the Florida Keys, using a mobile on-site kitchen and a network of venue and wedding planner partnerships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersKey West, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Great Events Catering does
Great Events Catering is a privately held, full-service catering company headquartered at 925 Truman Avenue in Key West, Florida, serving the Florida Keys market. The company plans and executes private and social events across seven product lines: wedding catering, corporate events, social events, private chef experiences, yacht and charter boat catering, a southern/BBQ sub-brand called The "Q" Cart, and a chef-prepared takeout service called Gourmet To-Go. Its core operational technology is an agile mobile on-site kitchen that enables fresh, made-to-order food preparation at the venue of choice — including non-traditional settings such as floating yachts, gardens, and historic forts — rather than centralized commissary-and-transport delivery.
The company is led by Chef/Owner David Fuhrman (Paul Smith's College culinary graduate with 25+ years across Key West fine-dining landmarks) and Executive Chef Kenardo "Kenny" Williams (HEART College of Hospitality graduate; Marker Hotel, Oceans Edge, Perry Hotel). Great Events is a preferred vendor at 15+ top Florida Keys venues including Audubon House, Hemingway House, Truman's Little White House, and Fort Zachary Taylor, and is the official caterer for Danger Charters and the Florida Keys SPCA's annual POSH gala. It has received the WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award continuously since 2012.
The business model is professional-services / event-based: revenue is generated per event with customized quotes rather than published pricing, a $2,500 non-refundable contract deposit, and a tiered payment schedule (50% at 120 days, 75% at 60 days, final balance 10 business days pre-event). A 22% service charge (taxable in Florida) and 7.5% Florida sales tax are applied to all prices; pre-contract tastings are $150 per person plus tax and are credited toward the final balance upon contract signing. The go-to-market is sales-led and relationship-driven — direct phone, email, website inquiry (powered by Tripleseat event software), and a strong referral network of six Key West wedding planners and venue partners. The company also leverages community event participation (Key West Food & Wine Festival, Fantasy Fest, charity galas) for top-of-funnel brand exposure among affluent local and destination-event customers.
Great Events Catering firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Great Events Catering
- Legal name
- Great Events Catering
- Website
- https://greateventscatering.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Great Events Catering is a Key West, Florida-based full-service catering company serving weddings, corporate events, social events, private chef experiences, yacht charters, and takeout meals across the Florida Keys, using a mobile on-site kitchen and a network of venue and wedding planner partnerships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Great Events Catering industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Event Catering Services
- NAICS
- Caterers (722320), Food Service Contractors (722310), Caterers (72232)
- SIC
- Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Wedding & Social Event Catering (THAHAKAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Corporate & Business Event Catering (THAHAKAA), Full-Service Catering (Off-Premise) (HSACAGAA)
Keywords
Where Great Events Catering is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Key West
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Great Events Catering business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Full-Service Event Catering: Primary revenue stream from catering private and social events. Services include wedding catering, corporate events, social events, private chef catering, yacht/charter catering, The 'Q' Cart (southern/barbecue menu), and Gourmet To-Go ready-made meals. Revenue is event-based, one-time per event, with deposits and tiered payment schedules.
- Tasting Fees: Pre-contract tastings are offered at $150 per person plus tax, credited toward the final balance once a contract is signed and deposit paid. Post-contract tastings are included as part of the service.
- Gourmet To-Go: Fresh, chef-prepared takeout meals offered to families, corporate clients, and for special occasions. Brings restaurant-quality dining straight to homes, offices, or events via a convenient takeout catering model.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Pre-contract tasting |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Children's meals |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Vendor meals |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Wedding/event catering |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Great Events Catering product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Great Events Catering is a Key West-based catering company that plans and executes customized food and beverage experiences for weddings, corporate events, social gatherings, yacht/charter excursions, and private chef engagements. The company operates an agile mobile on-site kitchen that prepares food fresh at the venue, and offers fully tailored menus using local Florida Keys ingredients. Additional offerings include The "Q" Cart (southern BBQ sub-brand) and Gourmet To-Go ready-made meals for takeout.
Product overview
Great Events Catering is a single unified catering service offering a portfolio of distinct event-focused offerings: Wedding Catering, Corporate Events Catering, Social Events Catering, Private Chef Experience, Yacht and Charter Boat Catering, The "Q" Cart (a southern BBQ sub-brand), and Gourmet To-Go. All food is prepared on-site using a mobile kitchen and customized menus featuring local, fresh ingredients. The company also maintains preferred vendor partnerships with Key West venues, planners, photographers, florists, and rental companies.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- The Q Cart: A carefully curated menu boasting authentic southern cooking techniques while incorporating South Florida and Caribbean flavors, featuring tender brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken with island flare.
- Gourmet To-Go
Products and services
- Wedding Catering Customized wedding catering services for couples planning weddings in Key West and the Florida Keys, covering receptions, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, and post-wedding brunches with on-location mobile kitchen food preparation.
- Corporate Events Catering Catering services for companies hosting corporate incentive trips, team celebrations, retirement parties, client appreciation events, and business lunches at Key West venues, featuring hand-passed appetizers, plated dinners, and customized menus.
- Social Events Catering Social event catering ranging from intimate backyard celebrations to large receptions and charity galas at historic Key West venues, including hand-passed hors d'oeuvres, action stations, plated dinners, and full food, beverage, and equipment service.
- Private Chef Experience Private chef catering for dinners, family reunions, chef demonstrations, and intimate gatherings with on-site chef preparation; chefs David and Kenny bring all equipment and deliver restaurant-quality food for groups of 2 to 202 people.
- Yacht and Charter Boat Catering Catering services tailored for yacht and charter boat excursions in the Florida Keys, with menus customized for day sails, snorkel trips, and sunset sails; designed for food that travels well in water-based environments.
- The "Q" Cart (Southern BBQ Catering) A southern-style BBQ catering service featuring authentic smoking techniques combined with South Florida and Caribbean flavors, offering brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken for casual lunches, welcome parties, and special events.
- Gourmet To-Go Fresh, chef-prepared takeout meals and ready-made food for busy families, corporate lunches, and special occasions, bringing restaurant-quality dining to homes, offices, or events via online ordering.
Quantifiable outcome
- WeddingWire Couples' Choice Award recipient since 2012 (multi-year recognition)
Companies that use Great Events Catering
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Great Events Catering technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature1 record
Great Events Catering partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Danger CharterscoreGreat Events Catering is the official catering company for Danger Charters, Florida's top-rated sailing charter. The partnership enables Great Events to provide restaurant-quality food for day sails, snorkel trips, sunset sails, and other charter excursions on the crystal blue waters of the Florida Keys. The relationship is strategic as Great Events serves as the exclusive or primary catering provider for Danger Charters' on-water events.
- The Porch (Key West)coreGreat Events Catering is a preferred vendor at The Porch venue in Key West. The company has catered welcome parties and events at this venue, and maintains an established relationship that ensures smooth event execution.
- Audubon HousecorePreferred vendor and catering partner at Audubon House, a historic Key West venue. Catered wedding receptions and events at the venue. The relationship provides Great Events with exclusive or preferred access to catering opportunities at this venue.
- Hemingway HousecorePreferred vendor at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (Hemingway House). Hosted corporate incentive trips with Cuban buffet catering. Established venue partnership ensuring Great Events understands the logistics and flow of events at this iconic Key West location.
- Truman's Little White HousecorePreferred vendor at Truman's Little White House (formerly Truman's Little White House). Social catering events held at this historic Key West venue. Great Events is recognized by the venue as a trusted catering partner familiar with the venue's event requirements.
- Fort Zachary TaylorcorePreferred vendor at Fort Zachary Taylor, a historic Florida Keys venue managed by the Florida Keys Marine Historical Association. Great Events is recognized as a trusted catering partner for events at this venue.
- Key West Botanical GardenminorPreferred vendor at the Key West Botanical Garden, a unique outdoor venue for events in the Florida Keys.
- Key West Garden ClubminorPreferred vendor at the Key West Garden Club, a venue partner for social events and weddings in Key West.
- Lighthouse MuseumminorPreferred vendor at the Lighthouse Museum (Key West Museum of Art & History), providing catering for events at this historic venue.
- Lunara BayminorPreferred vendor at Lunara Bay, a Florida Keys venue.
- Old Town ManorminorPreferred vendor at Old Town Manor, a boutique accommodation and event venue in Key West's Old Town.
- Papa's PilarminorPreferred vendor at Papa's Pilar (a Hemingway-themed rum distillery and venue in Key West).
- The Studios of Key WestminorPreferred vendor at The Studios of Key West, an arts campus and event venue. Great Events is also the caterer for the Studios of Key West Gala.
- Oldest HouseminorPreferred vendor at the Oldest House (Old Island Restoration Foundation), a historic Key West venue.
- General HorseplayminorPreferred vendor at General Horseplay, a Key West event venue.
- Fort East Martello MuseumminorPreferred vendor at Fort East Martello Museum, a historic fort and museum venue in Key West.
- Florida Keys SPCA (POSH Event)coreGreat Events Catering is the official caterer of the Florida Keys SPCA's annual POSH event, the region's premier charity gala. This is both a community partnership and a key brand visibility opportunity, placing Great Events in front of the area's most affluent residents and event planners.
- Destination Wedding StudiominorWedding planner partner recommending Great Events Catering to their destination wedding clients in Key West. Listed among preferred wedding planners on the Great Events website.
- Little Miss PlannerminorKey West-based wedding planner recommending Great Events Catering to their clients. Listed as a preferred wedding planner partner.
- Simply You WeddingsminorKey West wedding planner recommending Great Events Catering to their clients. Listed as a preferred wedding planner partner.
- Soiree Key WestminorKey West wedding planner recommending Great Events Catering. Listed as a preferred wedding planner partner.
- Vicky Furman EventsminorKey West wedding and event planner recommending Great Events Catering. Listed as a preferred wedding planner partner.
- Whitehead & Co.minorEvent planning company recommending Great Events Catering to their clients in Key West. Listed as a preferred wedding planner partner.
- Key West Food & Wine FestivalcoreGreat Events participates as a caterer/vendor at the Key West Food & Wine Festival, a major regional culinary event that provides brand exposure and reinforces Great Events' position as a leading Key West caterer.
- Key West Hair & Make-UpminorBeauty and hair/makeup service provider recommended as a preferred vendor for wedding and event clients of Great Events Catering.
- Fury Water AdventuresminorBoat and water activity company listed as a preferred vendor/partner for Great Events clients planning water-based events or group activities.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Great Events Catering competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Catering Works: Established Southeastern US off-premise caterer with weddings, corporate, and social divisions. Comparable service mix but broader geographic footprint and larger scale than Great Events.
- Constellation Culinary Group: Larger off-premise catering operator serving weddings, galas, and corporate events across multiple US markets. A broader incumbent with similar off-premise capability but at materially greater scale and geographic reach.
Direct peers
- Elegant Affairs: Long-established NYC off-premise caterer serving weddings, corporate, and social events with custom menus and white-glove service. Comparable in upscale off-premise model and multi-segment catering services.
- 24 Carrots Catering & Events: Southern California-based premium event caterer specializing in weddings, corporate, and social events with customized seasonal menus and venue partnerships. Closely comparable boutique premium-catering model serving destination-style weddings.
- Sterling Events: Bay Area-based premium caterer serving weddings, corporate, and private events with custom menus and high-touch service. Comparable boutique, premium, off-premise catering positioning.
- Blue Heron Catering: San Diego-based destination-wedding and corporate caterer focused on coastal venues and customized menus. Comparable in destination-style, premium off-premise catering with strong venue-partner networks.
- Pinch Food Design: NYC-based upscale event caterer known for highly customized menus, interactive food stations, and design-forward presentations. Comparable in bespoke, design-led premium catering for weddings and corporate events.
- Chef's Catering: Specialty off-premise caterer focused on customized menus and chef-driven experiences for weddings and private events. Comparable boutique, chef-led custom catering model.
- Main Course Catering: Mid-Atlantic premium off-premise caterer offering weddings, corporate, and social events with customized menus. Comparable mid-size premium catering business model and service breadth.
Regional players
- Tropical Catering & Events: Florida-based destination and tropical-event caterer serving weddings and corporate events across South Florida and the Keys. Comparable regional destination-catering positioning with emphasis on local Florida cuisine.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Great Events Catering social profiles
Digital presenceGreat Events Catering financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Great Events Catering leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Great Events Catering funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Great Events 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 Great Events Catering
What does Great Events Catering do?
Great Events Catering is a Key West-based catering company that plans and executes customized food and beverage experiences for weddings, corporate events, social gatherings, yacht/charter excursions, and private chef engagements. The company operates an agile mobile on-site kitchen that prepares food fresh at the venue, and offers fully tailored menus using local Florida Keys ingredients. Additional offerings include The "Q" Cart (southern BBQ sub-brand) and Gourmet To-Go ready-made meals for takeout.
Is Great Events Catering a public or private company?
Great Events Catering is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Great Events Catering founded?
Great Events Catering was founded in -1. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Great Events Catering based?
Great Events Catering is headquartered in Key West, United States, in the North America region.
How does Great Events Catering make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Full-Service Event Catering is the primary driver. The others are tasting Fees and gourmet To-Go.
Who are Great Events Catering's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Catering Works and Constellation Culinary Group. Direct peers are Elegant Affairs, 24 Carrots Catering & Events, Sterling Events, Blue Heron Catering, Pinch Food Design, Chef's Catering and Main Course Catering. Tropical Catering & Events is listed as a regional player.
Does Great Events Catering have an API?
No public API is recorded for Great Events Catering.
What industry is Great Events Catering in?
Great Events Catering's product category is Event Catering Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAHAKAE, Wedding & Social Event Catering, with a secondary code of THAHAKAA, Corporate & Business Event Catering. Its NAICS code is 722320 and its SIC code is 5810.