Client Spotlight: Joel Catering

Since the onset of New Orleans’ Stay-at-Home order, hundreds of local weddings and events have been cancelled at the height of the region’s peak season. Event planners and companies like local favorite, Joel Catering, have had to readjust to a new normal.

Originally founded by Joel Dondis in 1993, Joel Catering has expanded from a one-man show to a team of more than 30 experts with a combined 50 years of experience in the food industry. For over 25 years, Joel Catering has produced unique culinary experiences for presidents, world-renowned chefs, and Fortune 500 companies, as well as weddings and social events throughout the city. Its home, Il Mercato, sits on the corner of Camp and Magazine Street in the historic Lower Garden District.

Joel Catering finds inspiration in the thriving local food industry of Southern Louisiana and has translated its event menu to meals for home delivery during the pandemic. Whether it be for graduation, a birthday or just a quiet dinner at home, Joel Catering offers plenty of options for the whole family.

They pride themselves on their intensive adherence to safety measures with multiple levels of protocols in place to protect both their customers and employees. Upon arrival, each team member heads to a “cleaning station” where their shift prep begins: cleaning shoes in a sanitizing show bath, a 30-second hand wash, donning a hair or beard cover, face mask, and a fresh chef coat. Hands are washed again upon entry into the kitchen and in 30-minute intervals. All prepared food containers are filled, wrapped in plastic, sanitized and bagged. Upon delivery, points of contact are cut off to ensure the cleanest transport possible.

Check out their weekly menus at joel-catering.myshopify.com or follow them on facebook (@joelcatering) or Instagram (@joelcatering) for updates.