About

Our Story

Chef’s Catering was founded in 2011 by Chef Michael D. Zazzaro, an executive chef with over 25 years of experience in the food service industry. Since its beginnings, Chef’s has grown into one of the Rochester area’s premier caterers, known for exceptional food, flawless service, and memorable experiences.

Michael’s journey began at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he earned a management degree in culinary arts. There, he spent over four years immersed in the art of cooking, refining his technical skill set and creative approach. His training, combined with his natural passion for food, laid the foundation for what would become Chef’s Catering.

Growth & Expansion

Since 2011, Chef’s Catering has expanded greatly, adding a state-of-the-art food trailer and a mobile food truck. These mobile kitchens allow us to serve a wide range of clients with options that include drop-off catering, full-service on-site catering, and food truck experiences.

This expansion has allowed us to travel well beyond Rochester — serving events as far east as Utica, south to Ithaca, and west to Hamburg — all while staying true to our roots as a family-owned company. Each event is approached with professionalism, flexibility, and the goal of building long-lasting relationships with every client.

Family Roots & Inspiration

The inspiration for Chef’s Catering can be traced back to Michael’s family kitchen. Growing up, his Nana played an influential role, not only offering love and encouragement, but also teaching him practical cooking skills that he would later combine with his formal training. Those early experiences fostered a passion for food that continues to drive everything Chef’s Catering does today.

Michael credits his success to both the professional mentors and the family traditions that shaped him. It’s this love for food, rooted in family and honed through years of experience, that allows him and his team to consistently exceed expectations.

Our Core Values

At Chef’s Catering, we believe every great event begins with the right mindset. Our team is guided by four key values:

• Passion: Creating fun, approachable dishes that wow guests.
• Integrity: Paying close attention to detail and thorough planning for flawless execution.
• Character: Strong family values and a commitment to going above and beyond for others.
• Service: A focus on hospitality and professionalism that ensures peace of mind for our clients.

Our Services

While our roots are in weddings, parties, and corporate events, Chef’s Catering has grown to provide a wide variety of services to meet the needs of our clients:

• A growing in-house team that produces pastries, cakes, and desserts
• Full staffing options, including bartenders, servers, planners, and event coordinators
• Food truck and mobile kitchen catering
• Private chef catering for intimate gatherings
• Wine dinners in partnership with local wineries

Our culinary passion and dedication to presentation will leave a lasting impression on your guests, no matter the occasion.