The 2026 CATIE Awards Finalists & Winners
The International Caterers Association has announced the 2026 CATIE Awards finalists and winners.
The CATIE Awards celebrate innovation, creativity, and excellence in catering, and the 2026 winners have truly set the bar high. Congratulations to all of the CATIE Awards finalists!
Chef of the Year
WINNER: “David Anderson”, Catering By Design (CO)
“Hunter X. Hunt”, The LUX Group
Caterer of the Year
WINNER: D’Amico Hospitality
Best Appetizer
“Beef Tequeños”, Catering By Design (CO)
“Puzzle Salad”, Revel Catering & Events
WINNER: “The Mosaic – A Study of Earth’s Bounty”, TGIS Catering Services, Inc.
Best Buffet or Action Station
WIINER: “1950’s TV Dinner”, Constellation Culinary Group
“Mozzarella Bar”, Schaffer
“Pop Goes the Rice”, Talk of the Town Catering & Special Events
Best Catered Event
WINNER: “The Alchemy of Obsidian”, The JDK Group
“Twilight to First Light: A Progressive Dinner”, Catering by Michael’s, Inc.
“Unmasked, Inside Twenty Years of Creativity, Craft and Flavor”, Eat Well
Best Catered Wedding
WINNER: “Black-Tie on the Back Forty”, Hamby Catering & Events
“LA Iconic – Love & Indulgence”, Good Gracious! Events
“Under the Glass Grandeur”, Catering By Design (CO)
Best Dessert
“Cherry Chai Ornament & Gingerbread Cloche”, Design Cuisine
“Choose Your Own Dessert Experience”, Footers Catering
WINNER: “Obsidian & Berry Entremet”, The JDK Group
Best Hors d’oeuvre
WINNER: “Crab and Corn Lollipop”, Abigail Kirsch
“Gravlax Stack”, Proof of the Pudding
Best Small Plate
WINNER: “Surf & Turf”, Catering By Design (CO)
Innovative Mixology (Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic)
WINNER: “Coke Float”, Proof of the Pudding
“Japanese Old Fashioned”, Good Gracious! Events
“Rosemary Pineapple Shrub”, Schaffer