Blue Plate was founded in 1983 by Jim Horan, a social worker who spent his weekends cooking for friends’ parties - driven by a passion for bringing people together through food. What began with a grill and a big heart has grown into one of Chicago’s most trusted catering companies.
Today, over 40 years later, Blue Plate is an award-winning hospitality leader known for delivering exceptional experiences across weddings, corporate events, and social celebrations. Our philosophy, “We Care More,” is at the heart of everything we do - brought to life by a team of dedicated culinary and service professionals who bring creativity, warmth, and precision to every event.
Our chef-driven menus are made fresh from scratch at our USDA-certified facility in Fulton Market and fully customized to reflect your style and needs. Whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or a large-scale gala, we offer full-service catering, staffing, and event coordination, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully handled.
With preferred status at over 100 of Chicago’s most iconic venues, and the distinction of being the city’s first Green Restaurant Association-certified caterer, Blue Plate is proud to lead with purpose, passion, and a commitment to making every event unforgettable.
In 2004, Mike and Janet Johnston decided to combine their individual skills as avid home cooks and bakers with their experiences in marketing and the retail spice industry to open the very first Savory Spice location in Denver, Colorado. After the immediate success of the shop, they decided to take their concept a step further and created a Savory Spice website.
Building on the positive response to the Denver store and a direct-to-consumer option, they opened a second shop in Littleton, Colorado, followed by shops in Boulder and East Denver two years later. Now, Savory Spice and its franchisors operate nearly 30 locations across the United States.
Welcome to The Catered Affair, the pinnacle of hospitality in New England. Our distinguished organization is dedicated to delivering brilliant food, flawless service, and stunning experiences.
Founded by Holly Safford over 45 years ago, TCA has established itself as a leader in crafting innovative and immersive culinary experiences.