Business Details
21 Years
experience
Premier Event Catering Services in Raleigh
Since 2005, Rocky Top Catering has been Raleigh's premier full-service caterer, dedicated to transforming events into unforgettable experiences. Our award-winning team of chefs and event managers specializes in creating custom menus with seasonal ingredients, ensuring every detail reflects our clients' unique stories. We partner with the Triangle's finest event venues to deliver exceptional service for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. Our commitment to culinary excellence has earned recognition from WRAL, The Knot, and Wedding Wire. With a state-of-the-art 17,000 sq ft kitchen facility in North Raleigh, we combine classic techniques with innovative presentation to deliver consistency and creativity.Our team's expertise spans intimate celebrations to grand galas, serving the Triangle area and beyond. Philanthropy remains core to our values, with eight recognitions as a Triangle Business Journal Top Corporate Philanthropist. We pride ourselves on warm, professional service that extends far beyond the plate, orchestrating every moment with precision from initial consultation to final toast. This dedication to excellence has made us a trusted partner for clients seeking extraordinary events.
Services
Wedding Catering
Corporate Catering
Social Event Catering
Venue Management
Private Chef Experiences
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Award-winning team recognized by The Knot and Wedding Wire
- Exclusive catering partnerships with premier Triangle venues
- Custom menus featuring seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients
- Eight-time Triangle Business Journal Top Corporate Philanthropist
- Full-service catering from consultation to event execution
What people say
Unforgettable celebrations
Seasonal menu excellence
Venue partnerships
Professional staff
Philanthropic commitment
Services
Wedding Catering
Our wedding catering service creates personalized culinary experiences that reflect couples' unique styles. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, we craft custom menus using seasonal ingredients and provide seamless coordination with venue partners. With expertise in both historic and modern venues across the Triangle, our team ensures every wedding reception becomes a memorable culinary journey.
Corporate Catering
Elevate corporate functions with sophisticated catering solutions tailored to professional events. We deliver innovative cuisine and impeccable service for executive meetings, conferences, and large-scale business gatherings. Our team specializes in creating impactful dining experiences that enhance corporate branding while accommodating diverse dietary needs across various event formats.
Social Event Catering
Transform life's special moments into remarkable dining experiences through customized social event catering. We specialize in birthdays, retirement celebrations, and baby showers with distinctive menus and attentive service. Our team coordinates venue logistics and dietary accommodations to ensure stress-free planning for milestone events of any size.
Venue Management
Exclusive venue management services for premier Triangle locations including Millbrook Manor and Cross+Main. We provide comprehensive oversight of historic and modern venues while ensuring seamless integration with catering services. Our expertise maintains each location's unique character while optimizing functionality for weddings and special events.
Private Chef Experiences
Create unique culinary experiences with our private chef services for intimate gatherings and special occasions. Our executive chefs design custom menus and execute on-site dining experiences that showcase seasonal ingredients. This service includes menu consultation, ingredient sourcing, and professional kitchen execution for personalized events.
People
Dean Ogan
Founder/Senior Advisor
Founder of Rocky Top Catering since its inception in 2005, Dean Ogan brings decades of hospitality experience. He oversees strategic direction while maintaining his passion for culinary innovation and team development.
Carol Sasseen
Director of Sales
Leading sales since 2014, Carol Sasseen specializes in connecting clients with perfect event solutions. Her expertise in Triangle venues and catering coordination ensures seamless event planning experiences for clients.
Kristin Jolly
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations since 2015, Kristin Jolly manages day-to-day logistics while ensuring exceptional service standards. She coordinates between culinary and sales teams to deliver flawless event execution across all service areas.
Meghan Olesen
Executive Chef
Executive Chef since 2021, Meghan Olesen leads culinary innovation with seasonal menu development. Her background in agricultural education informs sourcing practices while maintaining high kitchen standards for event catering.
Kevin DeHimer
Senior Catering Sales Manager
With nearly two decades of experience since 2004, Kevin DeHimer provides expert guidance on event planning. His extensive knowledge of menu options and venue partnerships helps clients create memorable celebrations.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We cater weddings, corporate events, social celebrations, and special occasions of all sizes across the Triangle area.
Do you work with venues outside Raleigh?
Yes, we partner with premier venues in Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and beyond North Carolina's Triangle region.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Our culinary team creates customized menus to accommodate all dietary needs while maintaining exceptional flavor profiles.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance for weekends, with flexibility for mid-week events.
Do you provide event staffing?
Yes, we provide fully trained servers, bartenders, and event staff as part of our full-service catering package.
Are tastings available?
We offer menu tastings in our North Raleigh kitchen facility to help clients experience our culinary offerings firsthand.
