What Mintahoe Catering & Events does

Mintahoe Catering & Events (legal entity Mintahoe, Inc.) is a family-owned and operated catering and events company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, formed in 2008 through the merger of Mintahoe (founded by Kelvin and Annette Lee) and Twin City Catering (founded by Jim McMerty). The company is the largest privately-owned caterer in Minnesota and operates as a vertically integrated platform combining catering services with an exclusive venue portfolio. Its offerings span five operating divisions: full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, galas, and social gatherings; Professional Foodservice (corporate drop-off catering); Picnics Plus! (picnic catering for 50–5,000+ guests); Bar & Beverage Service; Atikis Minnesota Flight Catering (private aviation catering); and Authentic Gourmet BakeShop (commercial bakery). It owns and operates five exclusive venues — Minnesota Boat Club, Inwood Oaks, Mintahoe at Solar Arts, Nicollet Island Pavilion, and Leopold's Mississippi Gardens — and holds exclusive approved-caterer status at Heritage Center and Van Dusen Mansion plus approved-vendor positions at 20+ additional Twin Cities venues.

The company's business model is entirely service-based and transaction-based, generating revenue through per-event contracts priced via customized quotes based on guest count, menu selection, service level, and venue. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; corporate drop-off catering carries a $150 minimum order with 72-hour advance notice, and a 3.5% convenience fee applies to credit card and PayPal payments. All payments and deposits are non-refundable. Distribution is direct: clients engage via the website inquiry form, the direct phone line (612-253-0255), or in-person venue tours, and are assigned dedicated sales consultants or venue managers. Target segments include wedding couples, corporate clients (with named enterprise relationships such as Delta Airlines), nonprofit organizations, social event hosts, and memorial/life celebration hosts. Marketing is conducted through a company blog, multi-platform social media (Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok), The Knot marketplace listing, and SEO-optimized local search.

Ownership is concentrated in the McMerty family, with second-generation Co-Presidents Suzi McMerty Shands and Shawn McMerty leading the company alongside founder Jim McMerty. The company maintains industry leadership positions through board and committee roles at the National Association for Catering & Events (NACE) and International Caterers Association (ICA), and received the Twin Cities Business Magazine Family Business Award in 2025 and a NACE One Award nomination in 2026. Geographic operations are confined to the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro; the technology stack consists of standard commercial kitchen and event logistics infrastructure with no proprietary platforms or AI/ML capabilities.

Name

Mintahoe Catering & Events

Legal name

Mintahoe, Inc.

Website

https://mintahoe.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Mintahoe Catering & Events is a family-owned Minneapolis-based catering company and the largest privately-owned caterer in Minnesota, serving weddings, corporate events, picnics, and social gatherings across the Twin Cities through five operating divisions and an exclusive portfolio of five owned venues plus exclusive catering mandates at additional Twin Cities venues.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Catering and Event Services

NAICS

Caterers (722320), Food Service Contractors (722310), Special Food Services (7223)

SIC

Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810), Bakery Products (2050), Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)

akta.pro primary industry

Full-Service Catering (Off-Premise) (HSACAGAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Corporate & Business Event Catering (THAHAKAA), Wedding & Reception Catering (HSACAGAD), Event Catering (Weddings, Social, Private Parties) (THAFAIAB), Beverage Services (Bar Catering, Mixology, Beverage Programs) (THAHAKAJ), Specialty & Dietary Catering (Vegan, Kosher, Halal, Allergy-Friendly) (HSACAGAH)

Keywords

• Catering services
• Event catering
• Wedding catering
• Corporate catering
• Event venues

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Full-Service Catering: Full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, galas, and social gatherings. Includes customized menu design, on-site food preparation, professional service staff, bar and beverage service, and event planning support. Revenue is generated per event based on guest count, menu selection, service level, and venue. This is the primary revenue stream.
2. Professional Foodservice (Corporate Drop-Off): Corporate drop-off catering providing boxed lunches, buffets, appetizer platters, and desserts for business meetings, seminars, and corporate events. Operates with a $150 minimum order or 10-person buffet minimum. 72-hour advance notice required. Delivery charged based on location and order size. This is a separate operational division with its own menu and sales team.
3. Picnics Plus!: Custom picnic catering for corporate picnics, community events, and family celebrations. Serves groups of 50–5,000+ guests. Includes on-site food preparation, games, entertainment, inflatable rentals, and event logistics. Minimum 50 guests for most packages; 100 guests for specialty menus. Revenue per event based on guest count and package level.
4. Bar & Beverage Service: Full bar and beverage catering including top-shelf liquors, wines, domestic and craft beers, soft drinks, professional bartenders, glassware, and custom signature cocktails. Offered as an add-on to full-service catering events. Handles all permitting and licensing compliance.
5. Venue Rental & Management: Mintahoe manages a collection of exclusive venues (Minnesota Boat Club, Inwood Oaks, Mintahoe at Solar Arts, Nicollet Island Pavilion, Leopold's Mississippi Gardens) where it provides both venue rental and exclusive catering. Additionally, it is the exclusive approved caterer at Heritage Center and Van Dusen Mansion, and is on approved caterer lists at 20+ preferred venues across the Twin Cities.
6. Aviation Catering (Atikis Minnesota Flight Catering): Private aviation catering division (Atikis Minnesota) serving the private aviation sector. Part of the company's diversification strategy beyond traditional event catering.
7. Commercial Bakery (Authentic Gourmet BakeShop): Commercial bakery operation (Authentic Gourmet BakeShop) producing baked goods for events and retail/b2b distribution. Managed by Jeff (Manager) and Janet (Pastry Chef).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Mintahoe Catering & Events provides full-service catering, corporate drop-off catering, picnic catering, bar and beverage service, private aviation catering, and a commercial bakery, paired with a curated portfolio of exclusive and preferred event venues in the Twin Cities. The company serves weddings, corporate events, galas, social gatherings, picnics (50–5,000+ guests), aviation clients, and retail bakery customers from its Minneapolis headquarters, integrating customized menus, professional service staff, event planning, and venue management under one provider.

Product overview

Mintahoe Catering & Events is a family-owned catering and events company operating as a platform of interconnected service brands across the Twin Cities. The core offerings include Full-Service Catering (customized menus for weddings, corporate events, galas, and social gatherings), Professional Foodservice (corporate drop-off catering), Picnics Plus! (custom picnic catering), and Bar & Beverage Service (Libations). Supporting operations include Atikis Minnesota Aviation Catering (private jet catering) and Authentic Gourmet BakeShop (commercial bakery). The company also manages an exclusive venue collection including Minnesota Boat Club, Inwood Oaks, Mintahoe At Solar Arts, Nicollet Island Pavilion, and Leopold's Mississippi Gardens, plus holds exclusive catering partnerships at Heritage Center and Van Dusen Mansion. This integrated catering-venue model enables full-service event delivery from food preparation through venue management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Full-Service Catering Full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, galas, and social gatherings. Includes customized menu design, on-site food preparation, professional service staff, and event planning support. Priced per event via personalized proposals.
• Professional Foodservice (Corporate Drop-Off) Corporate drop-off catering offering boxed lunches, buffet-style catering, appetizer platters, and desserts for business meetings, seminars, and corporate events. $150 minimum order or 10-person buffet minimum; 72-hour advance notice required; delivery charge based on location and order size.
• Picnics Plus! Custom picnic catering for corporate picnics, community events, and family celebrations. Serves groups of 50–5,000+ guests. Includes on-site food preparation, games, entertainment, inflatable rentals, and event logistics. Minimum 50 guests for most packages; 100 guests for specialty menus.
• Bar & Beverage Service (Libations) Complete bar and beverage catering including top-shelf liquors, wines, domestic and craft beers, soft drinks, professional bartenders, glassware, and custom signature cocktails. Handles all permitting and licensing compliance. Offered as add-on to full-service catering events.
• Atikis Minnesota Aviation Catering Private aviation catering division serving the private aviation sector with in-flight food preparation and delivery. Part of the company's diversification strategy beyond traditional event catering.
• Authentic Gourmet BakeShop Commercial bakery operation producing baked goods for events and retail/b2b distribution. Managed by Jeff (Manager) and Janet (Pastry Chef).
• Minnesota Boat Club Venue Exclusive Mintahoe venue on Raspberry Island along the Mississippi River in Saint Paul, founded in 1870. Capacity: 110 seated, 150 cocktail style in the main ballroom; features two outdoor verandas.
• Inwood Oaks Venue Exclusive Mintahoe event center in Oakdale, Minnesota with grand ballroom and flexible additional spaces. Capacity: 1,000 seated, 1,500 mingling.
• Mintahoe at Solar Arts Venue Exclusive Mintahoe wedding and event venue on the top floor of the Solar Arts Building in the Northeast Minneapolis Art District, in a 100-year-old loft space with exposed brick, hardwood floors, and an outdoor deck. Capacity: 250 seated, 350 mingling.
• Nicollet Island Pavilion Venue Exclusive Mintahoe venue on the Mississippi Riverbank in Minneapolis, built in 1893 and restored in 1976, with exposed brick walls, industrial ceilings, and skyline views. Capacity: Ballroom 95–525 seated, Tent 50–125 seated, Mingling 1,000+.
• Leopold's Mississippi Gardens Venue Exclusive Mintahoe wedding venue on the Mississippi River in Brooklyn Park with panoramic river views, outdoor ceremony locations, wedding party suites, and indoor seating for up to 330 guests. Capacity: 300 seated, 500 cocktail reception.
• Heritage Center Exclusive Catering Venue Restored red barn venue combining rustic character with modern versatility near downtown Minneapolis. Capacity: 20–1,000+ guests. Mintahoe is the exclusive approved caterer; venue is booked directly through Heritage Center.
• Van Dusen Mansion Exclusive Catering Venue Historic mansion venue where Mintahoe is the exclusive approved caterer for all events. Listed among Mintahoe's preferred venue partners.

Quantifiable outcome

• Served 2,500 guests at the company's largest single event (early milestone under current leadership)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and moderate.

• Haute House StudiominorOthersFloral design partner featured in Mintahoe's partner network and tagged in social media posts (e.g., Caramel Apple Martini Instagram post). Provides floral arrangements and event decor for Mintahoe-catered events.
• Sadie's Couture FloralminorOthersFloral design partner listed in Mintahoe's partner network for wedding and event floral arrangements.
• Mycah Bain PhotographyminorOthersPhotography partner featured in Mintahoe's partner network and tagged in social media content. Provides wedding and event photography services for Mintahoe clients.
• Wild Chords DJ ServicesminorOthersDJ services partner listed in Mintahoe's partner network, referenced in social media content (e.g., fall event Instagram post). Provides DJ and entertainment services for Mintahoe-catered events.
• Heritage CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMintahoe is the exclusive approved caterer at the Heritage Center (restored red barn venue in Brooklyn Center, MN). Clients book the venue directly; Mintahoe provides all catering and service. This is a key exclusive catering partnership with significant event volume.
• Van Dusen MansioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMintahoe is the exclusive approved caterer at Van Dusen Mansion. Clients booking the venue must use Mintahoe for all catering and bar services. A key exclusive catering partnership.
• The Westin Edina GalleriaminorOthersPreferred hotel partner listed in Mintahoe's partner network for guest accommodations associated with events.
• The KnotmoderateGTM or Marketing PartnerThird-party wedding vendor marketplace where Mintahoe is listed as an approved wedding catering and events vendor in Minneapolis, MN. Drives inbound inquiries from newly engaged couples.
• National Association for Catering & Events (NACE)moderateOthersIndustry association where Mintahoe's team holds leadership positions. Suzi McMerty Shands serves on the ICA Board; Rachel serves as Director of Marketing for NACE. Mintahoe received a NACE One Award nomination in 2026. Membership provides industry visibility, peer referrals, and professional development.
• International Caterers Association (ICA)moderateOthersIndustry association where Suzi McMerty Shands serves on the Board and chairs the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Committee. Active membership supports industry networking and thought leadership.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• D'Amico Catering: Twin Cities–based full-service catering company also serving weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. Most direct comparable given shared metro, similar full-service model, and overlapping customer base in the Minneapolis–St. Paul market.
• Thomas Cuisine: Contract food service and event catering operator with multiple divisions across corporate, healthcare, and events. Comparable in operating model (customized menus, on-site execution, multi-division structure).
• Blue Plate Catering: Midwest-based full-service event caterer offering weddings, corporate events, and galas. Comparable in menu customization, venue partnerships, and family-owned positioning, though Chicago-anchored.
• Hamilton Catering: Full-service event caterer offering weddings, corporate, and social event catering with multiple venue relationships. Comparable in size, service breadth, and event catering model.

Emerging players

• Fooda: Corporate catering platform enabling recurring office meals and pop-up restaurants via scheduled food service. Comparable corporate drop-off and rotation meals segment; an emerging tech-enabled challenger in the corporate catering space.

Broad incumbents

• Bon Appétit Management Company: Specialty foodservice company focused on custom dining for corporate, university, and event venues. Comparable event catering offering and customizable menu approach.
• Sodexo Live! (formerly Centerplate): Large-scale event catering and hospitality provider for stadiums, conventions, and corporate events. Comparable corporate/event food service focus though broader and geographically national.
• Compass Group (including Chartwells and Levy): Largest global contract foodservice and event catering company. Comparable as a broad incumbent in foodservice and event catering with overlapping customer segments (corporate, special events).
• Aramark: Global provider of food, facilities, and uniform services, including large-scale event catering. Comparable in scale, customer overlap (corporate events, conferences), though operates much more broadly than Mintahoe.

Regional players

• Distinctive Catering & Event Design (or similar regional comparable): Midwest regional full-service catering and event design companies (e.g., Distinctive Catering) compete in adjacent metros. Comparable full-service offerings, although they primarily serve different regional geographies than Mintahoe.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Mintahoe
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mintahoe-catering-&-events/?viewAsMember=true
• Instagraminstagram.com/mintahoe
• Pinterestpinterest.com/mintahoe/_created
• TikToktiktok.com/@mintahoe.catering?lang=en
• Xx.com/mintahoe

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mintahoe Catering & Events