Chef-Driven Catering & Event Experiences in Chicago

Q: How does your catering pricing work?

Pricing is based on service style, menu complexity, guest count, and staffing requirements. Cocktail-style small bites, buffet service, family-style dinners, and plated multi-course experiences each represent different tiers of execution. Events requiring on-site cooking, staffing, and coordinated service reflect a higher level of preparation and involvement. We design each proposal around the type of experience you’d like to create and can tailor service styles to align with your overall investment level.

Custom Catering, Crafted Around Your Event

At Family Events Catering, we believe no two events should feel alike. We bring chef-driven cuisine, creative cocktails, and professional hospitality to private celebrations, weddings, and corporate events throughout Chicago and the western suburbs.

From elegant small bites and cocktail receptions to full-service dining and bartending, every menu and experience is designed around your guests, preferences, and vision. No preset packages, just exceptional food, drinks, and service tailored to your occasion.

Get In Touch

Explore Our Services

Delicious small bites perfect for family events and catering services. Elegant presentation of mini.

How We Bring Your Event to Life

STEP ONE

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Share Your Vision

Tell us about your event, guest count, budget, preferred cuisines, dietary needs, and the overall experience you want to create.

STEP TWO

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Design Your Menu

We’ll create a customized menu and service style tailored to your event, whether that means elevated small bites, a private chef experience, buffet service, bartending, or a combination of offerings.

STEP THREE

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Enjoy the Experience

On event day, our team handles the food, service, coordination, and cleanup so you can focus on your guests while we bring everything together.

Start Planning Your Event

Meet Chef Carson Foreman

I’m Carson Foreman, chef and founder of Family Events Catering. I started this company with a simple belief: great events deserve more than standard catering packages and generic menus.

Every event begins with a conversation about your guests, preferences, budget, and vision. From there, I personally design custom menus that reflect the experience you want to create, whether that’s an intimate private dinner, a cocktail-style reception, a corporate event, or a large celebration.

Alongside a team of experienced chefs, bartenders, and event professionals, I oversee every detail from menu development and preparation to service and execution. Our goal is to bring restaurant-quality food, thoughtful hospitality, and a seamless experience directly to your event.

At Family Events Catering, we’re not just serving food — we’re helping create memorable experiences around it.

Meet The Chef

Start Planning

Top-Rated Chicago Event Catering Company

         Posted on Google  
   
   Pamela Mulshine 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  CArson is great to work with.  Through multiple changes in nuimbers and menu he  rolled with it.  Food was excellent and plentiful.  Breakfast potatoes got MANY complicments so be sure to include in your brunch.  Don't expect left overs though.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Patrese Stewart 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Omg what an amazing bunch of people!!  Food and drink soooooooo amazing !!!!!  Book them
Now !!!!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sam Cordes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Over the Labor Day weekend, we hosted a private party on the rooftop of our apartment building.

I received proposals from several caterers and chose Family Events, founded and operated by Carson Foreman.

To say that was a good choice is a HUGE understatement.

The food was terrific and he concocted a special drink that was consistent with the theme of our party. It was a huge hit. All our guests raved about the offerings. We are stilling getting positive feedback!

Perhaps what was even more important was his service and the planning leading up to our event. He listened, he understood our needs, and he showed flexibility as needed. Before our event began, we were totally convinced it would happen without a single glitch. That is exactly what happened.

Oh yes, his proposal was considerably less expensive that the others.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kaitlyn T 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Family Events Catering hosted a wonderful multi course dinner for myself and my fiance on the night of our engagement. They developed a custom menu to match the Renaissance Fair/Medieval theme. The food was great, the service was friendly and extremely courteous, and they left the venue spotless when they finally headed out. They made what was already one of the most important weekends of my life into a magical one.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anna Koonce 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Such a talented and creative group!!! They did my brothers engagement party, which was ren fair themed, and really leaned into the theme (even making personalized art for the menu!) I wish i had better photos of the meal, but the truth is we ate it so quickly it dissappeared fast. Couldnt recommend enough!!!!!!!!!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kayla Miller 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  AMAZING! Carson and his team were great to work with. They designed a custom Asian-themed menu for my client's 60th birthday party. The proposal process was smooth and easy; they were on time, professional, and had a great setup. All the guests said the food was delicious! We will definitely use them for future events!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Charlie Foreman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Went to a birthday party in my dad’s condo in Chicago for a birthday dinner. The chef, Carson created a custom Greek themed dinner menu and the food was amazing. Highly recommend for private parties!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Joe Herner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I went to a birthday party last Saturday and the food was the best! The chef made Greek and all the dishes were flavored to perfection!
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bradley Foreman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Have hired them several times. The owner and chef, Carson, can create and execute any type of food or cuisine. We let him know we were inviting vegans, vegetarians, pescatarians, and carnivores, and he created something for everyone. All dishes were freshly made and expertly prepared. Owner was also very accomodating with last minute changes. Prices are also very reasonable, especially for the high level of quality.
  
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Owen Gomez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Always on point, great food no matter what cuisine you order and any event size. Cannot recommend enough!
  
 
 
  
 
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FAQs

How does your catering pricing work?

Because every event we design is fully customized, pricing varies based on guest count, service style, menu complexity, staffing, and equipment needs. Below are general starting ranges to help guide expectations:

Small Bites & Cocktail-Style Events
Typically range from $25–$75 per guest depending on quantity, variety, and whether small bites are replacing a full meal.

Buffet Catering
Generally falls within $25–$75 per guest based on menu selections and whether the event is drop-off or requires on-site finishing and staffing.

Family-Style Seated Dinners
Most often range from $50–$150 per guest, reflecting on-site preparation, coordination, and service.

Plated Multi-Course Dinners
Our most elevated dining experience, typically ranging from $100–$250 per guest depending on menu design and staffing level.

Bartending Services
Professional bartenders typically range from $50–$100 per hour. Servers are generally $45 per hour. Staffing levels depend on guest count and service style.

Please note: These are general guidelines and do not include sales tax, gratuity, rentals, or specialty equipment. Larger guest counts often allow for more efficient pricing, and bundled services (such as catering and bartending together) may provide additional value.

We’re always happy to tailor your event to align with your overall investment level.

What types of catering do you offer in Chicago?

We provide chef-driven catering in Chicago for private celebrations, corporate gatherings, cocktail-style events, and in-home dining experiences. Our services include elevated small bites, buffet catering, family-style dinners, plated multi-course meals, personal chef experiences, and professional bartending. Each event is custom-designed based on your guest count, vision, and service style.

Are your small bites drop-off or prepared on-site?

Our small bites are one of our signature offerings and are typically assembled on-site in a kitchen or designated prep area. For venues without a full kitchen, we can bring portable equipment as needed. While some menu elements may be prepared in advance, our small bites are designed as a live, elevated service experience rather than standard drop-off catering.

Do you offer personal chef services in Chicago?

Yes. We provide in-home personal chef experiences throughout Chicago and select western suburbs. These typically include tasting menus, plated dinners, family-style meals, or small bite experiences for intimate gatherings of 2–20 guests. Personal chef events are ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and milestone celebrations.

Do you cater corporate events?

Yes. We cater corporate events in Chicago including holiday parties, networking receptions, milestone celebrations, executive dinners, and client events. Most corporate gatherings include professional staffing to ensure a polished, seamless experience that reflects your brand.

Do you provide bartending services?

Yes. We offer professional bartending services for private and corporate events throughout Chicago. Bartending can be booked independently or combined with catering. We provide bartenders, mixers, garnishes, and custom cocktail menu planning. Clients supply the alcohol, and we’re happy to guide you on quantities and selections.

What size events do you specialize in?

We specialize in boutique gatherings of 10–50 guests, where our chef-driven approach and attention to detail shine. We also cater larger events, including corporate functions and galas, while maintaining a personalized, hands-on service style.

How far in advance should I book catering in Chicago?

We recommend booking several months in advance for prime dates, especially during peak seasons. Availability within three weeks may be possible depending on timing and event size. A 50% deposit is required to secure your date.

Chicago Event Catering Gallery

Whether it’s beautifully presented small bites, elegant table settings, or expertly crafted cocktails, our gallery showcases real Chicago event catering experiences designed and executed by our team.

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Why Clients Choose Family Events Catering

At Family Events Catering, we believe great events start with great hospitality and thoughtful food. Unlike caterers built around preset packages, every menu we create is customized to the guests, budget, dietary needs, and experience you want to create.

Led by Chef Carson Foreman, our team specializes in elevated small bites, private chef experiences, corporate catering, and bartending services designed to feel personal rather than mass-produced. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner, cocktail-style reception, networking event, or large celebration, we combine restaurant-quality food with professional service and seamless execution.

From the first conversation through the final cleanup, our goal is simple: make planning easy, make your guests feel cared for, and create an experience they’ll remember long after the event ends.

About Us

Serving Chicago Event Catering & Select Western Suburbs

At Family Events Catering, we specialize in Chicago event catering, with select service throughout the western suburbs including Oak Park, Forest Park, River Forest, Hinsdale, La Grange, Oak Brook, Riverside, and Western Springs.

Start Planning

Chef-Driven Catering & Event Experiences in Chicago

Custom Catering, Crafted Around Your Event

Explore Our Services

How We Bring Your Event to Life

STEP ONE

STEP TWO

STEP THREE

Meet Chef Carson Foreman

Top-Rated Chicago Event Catering Company

FAQs

Chicago Event Catering Gallery

Why Clients Choose Family Events Catering

Serving Chicago Event Catering & Select Western Suburbs

Ready to create something exceptional?Send us the details of your event and we’ll respond within 24 hours to begin planning.

Ready to create something exceptional?
Send us the details of your event and we’ll respond within 24 hours to begin planning.