Meet the Owners

Our Story –

Nearly a decade ago, we embarked on this journey with big dreams and unwavering determination. We began by focusing on catering for small backyard parties and weddings, slowly making a name for ourselves. We were hungry for opportunity, so we reached out to venues, cooked for them, created an amazing experience for many venue owners, and gave it our all—eventually landing spots on many of the area’s Preferred Vendor lists.

At the time, the wedding industry was tough, and many didn’t give us the time of day. But thanks to a chance introduction to Forever Bridal (Bridal Show) and the support from Dom and Laura, our first booth at their wedding show made all the difference. They helped us expand our booth when we could only afford a small space, and that was the turning point. We soon found ourselves becoming regulars at top venues as Preferred Caterers, and things began to take off.

Catering was—and still is—a beast. It’s never easy, especially when working at venues without real kitchens. We had to get creative, turning any space into a makeshift kitchen, and those early years were tough. It was backbreaking work and the industry is not very nice to caterers.

I always knew we wanted a venue of our own. I also knew my husband, Chef John, deserved a real kitchen to showcase his talent. After countless setbacks and many doors closing on us, we finally got the “YES” we’d been waiting for in June of 2019.

The venue is far from what you see today. It had its flaws, but we saw the potential, and we worked relentlessly to make it our own. We opened our doors for our first Open House in October 2019, and just a few months later, COVID hit. The next few years were full of challenges. The life of an entrepreneur is definitely not for the faint of heart. 

But with constant faith, perseverance and a lot of hard work –  2022 was finally the push we were waiting for! With every event, we reinvested in upgrades, and over time, we’ve completed more than 60 improvements to the venue. Every sacrifice has been worth it.

Today, we are more grateful than ever. We’re 100% invested in this business—no one else will ever take over because we built this from the ground up. We’re committed to providing the Triangle with the most beautiful events, and we’re honored to serve our clients with every celebration we help create.

We are so thankful to all of our clients for believing in our small business. Your trust has made all the difference, and we can’t wait to be a part of your big day!

With deep appreciation,
Chef John & Natasha Ford
Owners

 

BACKGROUD: With over two decades of experience, Chef John’s journey in the culinary world began as a dishwasher and led him all the way to Executive Chef. Along the way, he developed an unwavering work ethic, tenacity, and a passion for food that set him apart. Trained at the Culinary Art Institute in Durham, he has honed a diverse skill set, making him far from your average chef. His dedication to his craft has been a cornerstone of everything we’ve built.

 

BACKGROUD:I (Natasha) come from a background in communications/marketing and hospitality, with a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. I worked my way up from humble beginnings and have found my true calling in this industry. I know without a doubt that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be—creating unforgettable experiences for others.