Bennie Ferrell Catering says it is one of the most popular wedding caterers in Houston.

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Not many can say they have provided service to the family of two U.S. presidents, but Bennie Ferrell Catering Co. can. After 40 years, the firm says it is one of the largest and most recommended in catering service companies in the Houston Area.

For instance, the company says it is one of the most popular wedding caterers in its hometown and customizes each to the needs of its clients. “We create what [clients] want and we create what [they have] never dreamed before,” Bennie Ferrell Catering says. “Passionately driven by our elite style and tradition of customer satisfaction, Bennie Ferrell Catering Co. sets standards for Houston catering companies.”

Founder Bennie Ferrell started the company in 1959, and today, its work ranges from small parties to large events for more than 10,000 people, such as open house, conventions and fund-raising events. “The current marketing mix is 50 percent weddings and 50 percent social and commercial [work],” the company says.

In addition, the company has a kitchen production facility, warehouse and central office, as well as a full in-house training program for its workers. “Service is an art at Bennie Ferrell Catering,” the company says. “They are committed to hiring the best and properly developing exceptional people with a love for service.”

Renowned Service
Bennie Ferrell Catering says it offers its clients a variety of gourmet and international meals, which include pecan smoked beef tenderloin and marinated shrimp. In addition, the company says it has earned recognition and acclaim for its cuisine.

For instance, Bennie Ferrell Catering’s chocolate truffle with 24-karat gold has appeared in newspapers and magazines, while its seasoning salt has earned nationwide demand. In addition, the 2004 Houston Business Journal named it as one of the top catering companies in Houston.

Bennie Ferrell Catering also has developed a list of prominent clients. For instance, “Bennie Ferrell has catered to the George Bush family for many years and has served local and international dignitaries, congressmen and governors,” the company says.

In addition, “A few of the company’s corporate clients have included BP Amoco, Hewlett Packard and Reliant Energy,” it continues. “The company has conducted gala and fundraising events for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. It [also] catered the 1990 Economic Summit in Houston, the 1992 Republican Convention, the 2004 Super Bowl XXXVIII and the 2006 NBA All Star Game, being the major caterer at these events.”

Going Forward
Bennie Ferrell Catering operates in an industry that might see continued stability this holiday season. According to the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE), its members responded positively to a survey about a return of the office holiday party.

“In the survey, nearly one-third responded ‘yes’ to the question, ‘Do you think the corporate holiday party will rebound this year,’” NACE reported in The Trends Report in September. “In addition, 87 percent of caterers and event planners say that clients are still holding their events, albeit on smaller budgets than last year. Last year at this same time, 63 percent reported they were going forward with their events.”

Based in Columbia, Md., NACE says it is the oldest and largest catering association in the world. “Dedicated to promoting career success for its members and the professionalism of the industry, NACE offers educational programs, professional certification, chapter initiatives, networking opportunities, recognition and awards programs, a job bank, community service projects and the industry’s most prestigious annual conference,” it says.

“In helping its members enhance their business and careers, NACE helps the industry reach its highest potential,” the association says, noting that it was founded in 1958 as the Banquet Managers Guild, to recognize banquet managers and directors of catering in New York City.

The association took its current name in 1980. “Recognizing that many members were catering managers, directors of catering, off-premise caterers, as well as special event planners, wedding coordinators and meeting planners, the association broadened its scope to meet the needs of the entire industry,” NACE says.