Walter Burke Catering
Walter Burke Catering is a Santa Fe, New Mexico-based full-service catering company founded in 1981, providing custom menus, equipment rentals, professional staffing, and event planning for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations across the Southwest.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1981
- HeadquartersSanta Fe, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Walter Burke Catering does
Walter Burke Catering is a privately held, full-service catering company headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, founded in 1981 by Walter Burke. The company prepares and serves food for weddings, corporate events, conferences, private parties, galas, and cultural/institutional events across New Mexico and adjacent Southwest markets (Arizona, Texas, Utah), with occasional work in California (including Napa Valley). Day-to-day operations are led by President and General Manager Angela Reece, while founder Walter Burke remains involved in an operational capacity.
The service catalog spans ten menu categories (boxed lunches, breakfast & brunch, buffet dinners, casseroles, classic homemade cakes, conferences and coffee breaks, desserts & sweets, platters & take-out, seated dinners, and hors d'oeuvres) bundled with equipment rentals (china, flatware, glassware, tables, linens, tents, lights, heaters, dance floors), professional staffing (captains, servers, bartenders), bar service, and wedding/event planning. There is no proprietary technology platform; the offering is delivered as a labor-and-lifestyle service with pricing on per-unit (e.g., casseroles at $85-$220) and per-event bases, plus hourly staffing rates ($30-$40/hour).
Walter Burke earns revenue through four streams: event catering services, prepared menu items and platters sold per unit, equipment rentals, and custom wedding cakes. Distribution is direct-to-customer with office pickup from the Santa Fe location, on-site full-service delivery to venues, and curated vendor partner referrals (photographers, florists, DJs, wedding planners, valets). Marketing relies on the company's website, a WeddingWire vendor listing (2019 Couples' Choice Awards recipient), and an email newsletter via Constant Contact. Long-standing venue relationships — including the Santa Fe Convention Center since 1986 — and a curated vendor ecosystem function as the primary demand-generation channels.
Walter Burke Catering firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Walter Burke Catering
- Legal name
- Walter Burke Catering Inc.
- Website
- https://walterburkecatering.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1981
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Walter Burke Catering is a Santa Fe, New Mexico-based full-service catering company founded in 1981, providing custom menus, equipment rentals, professional staffing, and event planning for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations across the Southwest.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Walter Burke Catering industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Event Catering Services
- NAICS
- Caterers (72232), Food Service Contractors (722310), Caterers (722320)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Event Catering (Weddings, Social, Private Parties) (THAFAIAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Full-Service Catering (Off-Premise) (HSACAGAA), Corporate & Business Event Catering (THAHAKAA), Wedding & Reception Catering (HSACAGAD), Event Culinary Staffing & Back-of-House Services (Chefs, Servers, Bartenders) (THAHAKAN)
Keywords
Where Walter Burke Catering is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Santa Fe
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Walter Burke Catering business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Event Catering Services: Custom catering for events including weddings, corporate functions, private parties, and conferences. Revenue generated through food preparation, service staff, and event coordination.
- Menu Items and Platters: Pre-prepared menu items including casseroles, boxed lunches, desserts, and party platters sold per unit or per serving.
- Equipment Rentals: Rental of china, flatware, glassware, tables, linens, tents, lights, heaters, dance floors, and other event equipment.
- Wedding Cakes: Custom wedding cakes and classic homemade cakes available in various sizes.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Casseroles range from $85-$220 |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Service staffing rates |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Classic Homemade Cakes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Buffet Dinner Menu Items |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels3 records
Walter Burke Catering product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Walter Burke Catering provides full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, conferences, private parties, and galas across New Mexico and surrounding states. Offerings include menu preparation across multiple cuisine styles (Southwestern, Continental, Asian/Middle Eastern, Cajun, Tuscan, European), in-house rental of tables, linens, tents, china, glassware, dance floors, and lighting, professional event staffing with captains, servers, and bartenders, bar service, and end-to-end wedding planning including menu tastings, vendor coordination, and day-of execution.
Product overview
Walter Burke Catering is a full-service catering company based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, founded in 1981. The company operates as a single unified service offering rather than a platform-plus-modules architecture, providing comprehensive catering across multiple menu categories including Boxed Lunches, Breakfast & Brunch, Buffet Dinners, Casseroles, Classic Homemade Cakes, Conferences and Coffee Breaks, Desserts & Sweets, Platters & Take-out, Seated Dinners, and Hors d'Oeuvres for Cocktail Parties. These menu offerings are complemented by Wedding Planning Services, Event Equipment Rentals, Full-Service Staffing, and Bar Service. The company serves events ranging from intimate dinners to large-scale celebrations including weddings, corporate events, galas, and private parties across New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Utah, and has even served events in Napa Valley, California.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Buffet Dinners Full-service buffet dinner catering with three cuisine styles: Southwestern, Continental, and Asian and Middle Eastern. Features appetizers, main course options, accompaniments, and desserts.
- Casseroles Hot prepared casserole dishes available in half pan (serves 10) or full pan (serves 20). Options include enchiladas, lasagna, moussaka, chicken potpie, beef bourguignon, coq au vin, and breakfast dishes. Pricing ranges $85–$220.
- Boxed Lunches Pre-packaged lunch meals in compostable containers featuring sandwiches with gourmet potato chips and homemade dessert. Options include Greek Sandwich, Avocado Wrap, Southwest Shrimp Salad Wrap, Curried Chicken Salad, and more. Minimum order of 5 for sandwiches.
- Breakfast & Brunch Catering Morning and midday meal catering featuring quiches, French toast casseroles, frittatas, breakfast burritos, and brunch menus. All menus include coffee and tea. Stations available include omelet and crepe stations.
- Classic Homemade Cakes Homemade cakes made with finest ingredients, available in 9-inch (serves 12-16), half sheet (serves 35-40), and full sheet (serves 75-80). Options include Chantilly Cream Fresh Berry Cake, Carrot Cake, New York Style Cheesecake, Triple Chocolate Decadence Cake, Mocha Layer Cake, and Lemon Bundt Cake. Orders require 24 hours advance notice.
- Conferences and Coffee Breaks Meeting and conference catering with morning and afternoon breaks, priced at minimum 20 guests. Options include Basic Start, The Continental, The New Mexican Start, Cheese and Crackers Break, Sweet Break, Mediterranean Break, and Healthy Midday Treat.
- Desserts & Sweets Assorted bite-sized and full-size desserts with minimum 2 dozen order per item. Options include chocolate mousse cups, biscotti, cookies, bars, cupcakes, tartlets, cheesecake squares, choux cream puffs, chocolate dipped fruit, candies, and sheet cakes.
- Platters & Take-Out Ready-to-serve catering platters for receptions and take-out including beef, chicken, seafood, vegetarian options, cheese boards, charcuterie, vegetable displays, and cookie/sweets platters. Available in small, medium, and large sizes.
- Seated Dinners Plated multi-course dinner catering with themed menus including Cajun Dinner, Southwestern Dinner, Pre Opera Dinner, New Mexican Wine Dinner, Tuscan Dinner, and European Dinner. Each features appetizers, main courses, and desserts.
- Hors d'Oeuvres for Cocktail Parties Appetizer catering for cocktail parties and receptions. Menu currently under update; customers directed to contact office for current selection.
- Wedding Planning Services Full-service wedding reception planning with experienced event planners who assist with menu selection, vendor recommendations, venue logistics, and day-of coordination. Includes menu tastings, china/glassware/flatware/linen selection, and downloadable wedding package PDF.
- Event Equipment Rentals Extensive stockroom of party rentals including china, flatware, glassware, tables, linens, tents, lights, heaters, dance floors, coat racks, specialty china & glassware, high chairs, torches, and decorative accents. Company handles ordering, delivery, set-up, tear down, retrieval, and cleaning.
- Full-Service Event Staffing Professional event staffing including event planners, chefs, delivery drivers, waiters, bartenders, and event captains. Captain manages event from kitchen pickup through final unload after event completion. Captains billed at $40/hour; servers/bartenders at $30/hour.
- Bar Service Bartender services for events. Company does not sell liquor but can order and deliver liquor & mixers for events, with licensed bartenders serving. Bar supplies including ice, bar fruit, mixers provided for a small fee.
Quantifiable outcome
- WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 recipient based on quality, service, responsiveness, and professionalism reviews
Companies that use Walter Burke Catering
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Walter Burke Catering technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Walter Burke Catering partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered minor.
- Absolute EntertainmentminorRecommended DJ partner with contact 505-986-5882
- Accent Chauffeured TransportationminorRecommended valet partner with contact 505-424-2171
- Michael's ValetminorRecommended valet partner with contact 505-995-8689
- Insight FotominorRecommended photographer partner for wedding and event clients. Website: insightfoto.com/weddings/index.html
- Twin LensminorRecommended photographer partner for events and weddings.
- Andrea Soorikian FloristminorRecommended florist vendor with contact 505-983-3482 and website andreasoorikian.com
- Artichokes and PomegranatesminorRecommended florist vendor with contact 505-820-0044
- Marissa's MileforiminorRecommended florist vendor with contact 505-984-1005
- Ben Wright DJminorRecommended DJ with contact 203-434-9203
- Cut Master MusicminorRecommended DJ with contact 505-269-5585
- Justin Ray DJminorRecommended DJ with contact 505-803-7949
- Omar Villanueva GuitaristminorRecommended live musician partner with contact 505-507-0355
- Alena Swanson Wedding PlannerminorRecommended wedding planner partner
- Erika Marie Events & CominorRecommended wedding planner partner
- Felicia Ponca Wedding PlannerminorRecommended wedding planner partner
- Jessie Baca Wedding PlannerminorRecommended wedding planner partner
- Plum Studio LLCminorRecommended wedding planner partner
- Gerald Peters GalleryminorSanta Fe art gallery venue partner for events. Contact: 505-954-5700, 1101 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM 87501
- Glenn Green Galleries + Sculpture GardenminorTesuque village venue partner with outdoor patio and kiva fireplace. Contact: 505-820-0008
- Santa Fe Convention CenterminorLong-standing venue partnership since 1986. Contact: 505-955-6200, 201 West Marcy
- Farm to Restaurant ProgramminorParticipating member of Farm to Table New Mexico program supporting local farmers and sustainable sourcing
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Walter Burke Catering competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Affairs to Remember: Atlanta-based full-service off-premise catering and event production company. Comparable to Walter Burke as a regional full-stack event caterer serving weddings, corporate, and private events with staffing, rentals, and bar service.
- Abigail Kirsch: NYC premium off-premise catering company serving weddings, galas, and corporate events with in-house planning, staffing, and design. Directly comparable as a high-end full-service event caterer with multi-decade reputation.
- Occasions Caterers: Washington DC area full-service off-premise caterer serving weddings, corporate, and non-profit events. Directly comparable business model, customer mix, and service scope.
- Blue Heron Catering: Long Island, NY full-service off-premise event caterer for weddings and corporate functions with staffing and rental coordination. Comparable regional full-service caterer with similar event-driven revenue model.
- The Catered Affair: Boston-based full-service off-premise event caterer for weddings, corporate, and social events. Similar premium positioning, multi-decade operating history, and full-stack service model.
- A Thyme to Cook: Philadelphia-area full-service off-premise catering company serving weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. Comparable as a regional premium caterer with similar full-stack service offering.
Broad incumbents
- Bon Appétit Management Company: Large national café, catering, and corporate food services operator. Comparable as an established incumbent providing off-premise catering for corporate and event clients, but at much greater scale and broader portfolio.
- Aramark: Global food services and facilities management company with a significant event catering and hospitality arm. Comparable as a broad incumbent in food services for events, venues, and conferences but operating nationally rather than regionally.
- Sodexo: International food services and integrated facilities management company with event and conference catering operations. Comparable as a broad incumbent in food services for events, but at global scale rather than regional.
- Compass Group: Global food services and support services group with hospitality and event catering subsidiaries. Comparable as a broad incumbent serving similar corporate, institutional, and event customers, but at substantially larger scale and broader portfolio than Walter Burke.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Walter Burke Catering social profiles
Digital presenceWalter Burke Catering financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Walter Burke Catering leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Walter Burke Catering funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Walter Burke 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 Walter Burke Catering
What does Walter Burke Catering do?
Walter Burke Catering provides full-service catering for weddings, corporate events, conferences, private parties, and galas across New Mexico and surrounding states. Offerings include menu preparation across multiple cuisine styles (Southwestern, Continental, Asian/Middle Eastern, Cajun, Tuscan, European), in-house rental of tables, linens, tents, china, glassware, dance floors, and lighting, professional event staffing with captains, servers, and bartenders, bar service, and end-to-end wedding planning including menu tastings, vendor coordination, and day-of execution.
Is Walter Burke Catering a public or private company?
Walter Burke Catering is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Walter Burke Catering founded?
Walter Burke Catering was founded in 1981. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Walter Burke Catering based?
Walter Burke Catering is headquartered in Santa Fe, United States, in the North America region.
How does Walter Burke Catering make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Event Catering Services are the primary driver. The others are menu Items and Platters, equipment Rentals and wedding Cakes.
Who are Walter Burke Catering's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Affairs to Remember, Abigail Kirsch, Occasions Caterers, Blue Heron Catering, The Catered Affair and A Thyme to Cook. Broad incumbents are Bon Appétit Management Company, Aramark, Sodexo and Compass Group.
Does Walter Burke Catering have an API?
No public API is recorded for Walter Burke Catering.
What industry is Walter Burke Catering in?
Walter Burke Catering's product category is Event Catering Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAFAIAB, Event Catering (Weddings, Social, Private Parties), with a secondary code of HSACAGAA, Full-Service Catering (Off-Premise). Its NAICS code is 72232 and its SIC code is 7900.