Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Knoxville Catering Services
Since 1971, Rosa's Catering has been Knoxville's premier family-owned catering service, dedicated to transforming events into unforgettable culinary experiences. Founded by Rosa Nussbaumer, a Sicilian-born culinary expert with a background in nutrition and food science, our business has grown across four generations while maintaining its commitment to quality and personalized service. We specialize in creating tailored menus that reflect each client's unique vision, dietary needs, and event style, using only the finest ingredients prepared with meticulous attention to detail. Our professional team ensures seamless execution for events ranging from intimate family dinners to grand celebrations for 5,000 guests, allowing clients to relax while we handle every aspect of their event's culinary presentation. With over 50 years of combined experience, our current leadershipRosa's son Phillip, granddaughter Alex, and great-granddaughter Baby Lila Rosacontinues to uphold the legacy of excellence established by our founder.We pride ourselves on delivering not just exceptional food but comprehensive event solutions that include staffing, setup, and cleanup, ensuring every client receives the personalized attention their occasion deserves. Our proven track record with prestigious venues like the Sunsphere and partnerships with East Tennessee's top event spaces demonstrates our industry leadership. From corporate gatherings to weddings, we combine traditional culinary techniques with innovative presentation to create lasting impressions. Our commitment to transparency, reliability, and customer satisfaction has earned us enduring trust from clients like the University of Tennessee and countless private clients. Whether planning a simple buffet or an elaborate multi-course dinner, we bring the same passion and precision that Rosa herself established in 1971.
Services
Event Catering
Customizable Menus
Venue Partnerships
Full-Service Staffing
Dietary Accommodations
Wedding Catering
Corporate Events
Private Parties
Buffet Service
Tableside Presentation
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of family-owned catering expertise
- Our team provides personalized event coordination from start to finish
- We guarantee seamless execution for events of any size
- Our menus accommodate all dietary requirements with gourmet quality
- We maintain partnerships with East Tennessee's premier event venues
What people say
Incredible customer service
So reliable
THE FOOD
Many compliments
Extremely helpful
Services
Event Catering
We provide comprehensive catering solutions for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Our team handles menu creation, food preparation, staffing, and cleanup to ensure flawless execution. With experience serving events from 50 to 5,000 guests, we combine culinary expertise with personalized service to bring your vision to life through exceptional food presentation.
Custom Menus
Our chefs create tailored menus matching your event's theme and dietary requirements. We offer diverse options from traditional Southern cuisine to international dishes, with special accommodations for vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly requirements. Every menu reflects our commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with professional culinary techniques.
Venue Partnerships
We maintain relationships with East Tennessee's premier event venues including the Sunsphere. Our team provides logistical support for setup, equipment needs, and space optimization. These partnerships ensure seamless execution whether hosting events in historic buildings, outdoor spaces, or modern facilities like our sister venue on the 6th and 8th floors of Knoxville's iconic Sunsphere.
Full-Service Staffing
Our professional staff handles every aspect of food service including serving, bartending, and cleanup. We provide trained personnel who maintain exceptional presentation while ensuring guest satisfaction. From buffet management to tableside service, our team works discreetly to create smooth, enjoyable experiences for both hosts and attendees.
Specialty Diets
We accommodate all dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific requirements. Our chefs create equally delicious alternatives that maintain menu cohesion. With experience planning meals for 150+ guests with varied needs, we ensure every attendee receives properly prepared, clearly labeled food options that meet their specific dietary requirements.
People
Rosa Nussbaumer
Founder
Sicilian-born culinary expert who established the business in 1971 after studying nutrition at the University of Tennessee and working in food science laboratories. Her legacy continues through four generations of family leadership.
Phillip Nussbaumer
Current Operator
Rosa's son who continues the family tradition with hands-on involvement in daily operations. Brings decades of experience maintaining the high standards established by the company's founder.
Alex Nussbaumer
Operations Manager
Rosa's granddaughter who oversees event coordination and client relations. Combines generational knowledge with modern event management practices to maintain the company's industry leadership.
Baby Lila Rosa
Next Generation
Rosa's great-granddaughter currently learning the business. Represents the fourth generation committed to preserving the family's culinary legacy and exceptional service standards.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We cater weddings, corporate events, private parties, rehearsal dinners, and holiday celebrations of all sizes from intimate gatherings to large-scale events.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, we create customized menus with vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly options while maintaining exceptional taste and presentation.
Do you provide staffing for events?
Our full-service packages include professional servers, bartenders, and cleanup staff to ensure seamless event execution from start to finish.
What venues do you work with?
We partner with East Tennessee's premier venues including the Sunsphere, Ijams Nature Center, and Knoxville Museum of Art among many others.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 6-12 months ahead for weekends during peak season, though we accommodate shorter timelines when possible.
Do you offer tasting sessions?
Yes, we provide menu tastings to help clients select dishes that match their vision and ensure complete satisfaction with food quality.
