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Business Details
37 Years
experience
Trusted Catering Services in Colorado Springs
Founded in 1989, our company has grown from a small catering venture into a multifaceted culinary enterprise serving Colorado Springs and the Front Range. We operate three distinct divisionsPicnic Basket Catering, Buffalo Gals Grilling Company, and Cravings Catering & Five Star Eventseach designed to meet diverse client needs while maintaining a commitment to quality and innovation. Our team of experienced professionals delivers exceptional service, using locally sourced, non-GMO ingredients to create memorable dining experiences for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings. With over 30 years of industry expertise, we have earned recognition as the Best Catering Company in Colorado Springs for 20 consecutive years.

Our progressive, family-oriented culture drives us to exceed client expectations, whether planning intimate celebrations or large-scale galas. We prioritize sustainability and community involvement through initiatives like our Red Plate Program, which supports local food banks. Our leadership team combines decades of hospitality experience with a passion for culinary excellence, ensuring every event reflects our dedication to authenticity, creativity, and customer satisfaction.
Services
Wedding Catering Corporate Events Social Gatherings Buffalo Gals Grilling Custom Menu Design Event Planning Delivery Services Holiday Parties Fundraisers Venue Coordination
Details
  • Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
  • We offer 30+ years of catering expertise across three specialized divisions.
  • Our menus feature locally sourced, non-GMO ingredients for superior quality.
  • We hold the #1 Best Catering Company ranking in Colorado Springs for 20 years.
  • Our team provides personalized service for events ranging from 10 to 1,000+ guests.
  • We maintain a progressive, community-focused business culture with sustainability initiatives.
What people say
Delicious food Professional staff Exceptional service Creative menus Reliable partners
Update Listing
Services
Wedding Catering
We specialize in creating unforgettable wedding dining experiences with customizable menus ranging from casual buffets to formal multi-course meals. Our team coordinates with venues, florists, and planners to ensure seamless execution. Clients receive personalized tastings and dedicated event specialists to design menus that reflect their unique preferences and cultural traditions.
Buffalo Gals Grilling
This division delivers authentic Santa Maria-style barbecues featuring Certified Angus Beef and wild game cooked over red oak on custom grills. Ideal for mountain venues or rustic events, the service includes on-site preparation with interactive cooking demonstrations. Guests enjoy the sensory experience of live grilling paired with fresh salads and gourmet sides in a festive atmosphere.
Corporate Event Catering
We provide tailored catering solutions for conferences, holiday parties, and executive meetings with options from breakfast buffets to plated luncheons. Our service includes timed deliveries, disposable or china service options, and dietary restriction accommodations. Clients benefit from streamlined ordering systems and dedicated account managers for repeat events.
People
Michelle Talarico
Owner/Co-Founder
Co-founder with 30+ years in hospitality, Michelle leads company strategy and community initiatives. She serves on multiple local boards and oversees vendor partnerships while maintaining a client-focused approach to service excellence.
Kathy Dreiling
Owner/Co-Founder
Co-founder Kathy manages marketing and finance, leveraging her communications background and event planning expertise. A self-described 'Buffalo Gal,' she actively participates in on-site grilling and client consultations while shaping the company's creative direction.
Sam Talarico
Organizational Development Manager
Sam supports operational efficiency and staff training programs, drawing from his hospitality management experience. He works closely with department heads to implement process improvements while maintaining the company's family-oriented culture.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We handle weddings, corporate events, social gatherings, fundraisers, holiday parties, and private dinners for groups ranging from 10 to 1,000+ guests.
Do you offer customized menu options?
Yes, our Cravings division specializes in fully customized menus with dietary accommodations, including unique presentations and themed dining experiences tailored to client preferences.
Are you available for last-minute catering requests?
While we recommend advance booking, our team often accommodates urgent requests when possible, leveraging our extensive resources and flexible staffing model.
Do you provide event planning services?
Our Cravings division offers full-service event planning including venue selection, decor coordination, and vendor management for comprehensive event solutions.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Colorado Springs and the Front Range, with regular events throughout the Pikes Peak Region and surrounding mountain communities.
Reviews (5)
Lauren Song
Jun 17, 2022 Report
We love picnic basket catering! Michelle is amazing to work with. We've ordered meals for our family holiday dinners as well as a catered meal for a 40th celebration dinner party. All of the food is delicious!
Michael Lundquist
Jun 09, 2022 Report
Everyone at our wedding loved the food and the plated service was perfect! Best wedding food I've had IMO. They made the trip out to Buena Vista for our wedding and made it truly special! Affordable for how good of quality they are. Thanks Buff Gals and Brandon Schrank for managing it all!
Michael Wahl
Jun 06, 2022 Report
Just arrived home from our daughter's event, and the Picnic Basket staff made our day even more SPECIAL. Can't say enough about the them going out of their way to make this day absolutely flawless! The tables looked beautiful, the staff were professional and friendly in every way. They treated everyone extremely well, and all of the guests enjoyed every single bite of the INCREDIBLE FOOD! All went back for seconds, and they loaded their plates and were talking about how delicious it all was. Lauren, the catering manager, far exceeded our expectations and even showed up to make sure that everything was placed just right. Picnic Basket is TRULY an incredibly wonderful caterer.

They catered our parents 50th wedding anniversary in 1996, and it was lovely and perfect back then and equally as lovely this time around. Honest, caring and awesome people here (and very talented chefs) will make your event one to remember for a lifetime. Too bad Google does not have a ten star rating system.because hands down, that is what you definitely would earn! THANK YOU!
Peggy B.
May 26, 2022 Report
Absolutely recommend! Delicious food, very generous portions, and extremely understanding when a sudden medical situation threw off my pick up schedule. I regret not taking a picture of the spread but it was so amazing! You cannot go wrong using this caterer!
Raven Rodriguez
Mar 27, 2022 Report
Got catering for my wedding, 20 people for $2400. Very pricey, and you don't get much food. The fruit tray, spinach dip, and southwest empanadas were good, but the hot honey mustard ham sandwiches were horrible. And the ham sandwiches were $150 for 3 dozen. The 8oz filet was good, but the shrimp skewer that was $8 a person had only 2 cold shrimp on it. The mashed potatoes were really good, but maybe only about 4 bites worth.

And those were $80. We paid $80 for 'unlimited drinks', and there was a black tub of about 8 - 10 drinks by the entrance. That's it. No coke, no dr pepper, nothing that we drink. Other than that, the customer service was excellent, and our two servers were awesome. Very polite, very professional, and awesome at their job.