Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Catering Partner in Bloomingdale, IL
Catering with Elegance has been a family-owned and operated business since 1959, dedicated to transforming events into cherished memories through exceptional food and service. Our journey began as a small Chicago grill and snack shop, evolving into a premier catering service that has hosted presidents, dignitaries, and events for over 4,000 guests. We specialize in weddings, corporate events, social gatherings, and golf outings at venues like Bloomingdale Golf Club and Medinah Shrine Center, while also offering off-site catering throughout Chicagoland. Our team, led by the Helmig family and experienced professionals, ensures personalized attention to every detail, from initial planning to the final guest departure.With decades of combined expertise, we pride ourselves on adapting to challenges, such as navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic, while maintaining our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Our accolades, including industry-leading awards, reflect our dedication to excellence. We believe in the power of food to bring people together, creating experiences that resonate long after the event concludes.
Services
Wedding Catering
Corporate Event Catering
Golf Event Planning
Off-Site Catering
BBQ Catering
Social Event Coordination
Venue Management
Custom Menu Design
Event Staffing
Decor Services
Details
- Year established: 1959
Highlights and features
- Family-owned for nearly 60 years with hands-on involvement in every event.
- Offering versatile venues including Bloomingdale Golf Club and Medinah Shrine Center.
- Proven expertise in managing events from intimate gatherings to 4,000+ guests.
- Award-winning team with decades of combined experience in event planning.
- Flexible and agile service, demonstrated through successful pandemic-era adaptations.
What people say
Excellent customer service
Beautiful venue
Calm and efficient staff
Transformed our porch into bar area
Made our day special
Services
Wedding Catering
Catering with Elegance specializes in creating unforgettable wedding experiences through customized menus and seamless coordination. Our team collaborates closely with couples to reflect their unique style, from intimate ceremonies to grand receptions. With venues like Bloomingdale Golf Club and Medinah Shrine Center, we provide elegant settings complemented by expertly prepared cuisine and attentive service, ensuring every detail aligns with your vision.
Corporate Event Catering
We transform corporate gatherings into impactful experiences with tailored catering and venue solutions. Whether hosting a board meeting, product launch, or holiday party, our team designs menus and environments that align with your company culture. Venues like Medinah Shrine Center offer flexible spaces for conferences, seminars, and networking events, while our off-site catering extends these services to your preferred location.
Off-Site Catering
Our off-site catering brings the same excellence to locations of your choice, from private homes to unique venues. With decades of experience, we handle logistics, menu customization, and on-site execution for weddings, parties, and corporate functions. Fully licensed and insured, we ensure every event, regardless of size, meets our high standards of quality and service.
Golf Event Planning
Bloomingdale Golf Club offers premier facilities for golf tournaments and outings, combining scenic courses with exceptional catering. We coordinate weekday and weekend events, providing post-round meals and hospitality tailored to your group's needs. Our team ensures smooth logistics, from tee times to banquet arrangements, creating memorable experiences for charity fundraisers, client entertainment, or employee appreciation events.
BBQ Catering
Specializing in BBQ and pig roasts, we deliver flavorful, crowd-pleasing menus for casual gatherings and celebrations. Ideal for graduations, company picnics, or family reunions, our BBQ services feature slow-cooked meats, classic sides, and on-site preparation. Whether as a standalone event or part of a larger celebration, our team ensures a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere with top-tier service.
People
Don Helmig
Founder and President
Don Helmig founded Catering with Elegance in 1959, growing it from a small Chicago snack shop to a renowned catering business. With decades of experience, he oversees operations and maintains the company's commitment to excellence, ensuring every event meets his high standards.
Jeff Helmig
Vice President and Co-Owner
Jeff Helmig transitioned from transportation and construction to join the family business full-time in 2008. As Vice President, he leverages his diverse experience to manage daily operations, upholding his father's legacy of elegance and customer service.
Karen Helmig
Event Manager
Karen Helmig, married at Bloomingdale Golf Club, combines bridal consulting and bakery experience to oversee weddings. Her leadership has earned the venue top industry awards, ensuring couples enjoy seamless, memorable ceremonies and receptions.
Jon Karpinski
Off-Site Catering Manager
Jon Karpinski manages off-site events, drawing on a career starting at Bloomingdale Golf Club during high school. He focuses on making every client's event exceptional, specializing in logistics and personalized service for weddings, parties, and corporate functions.
Joanna Karpinski
General Manager
Joanna Karpinski has led Medinah Shrine Center since 2013, with a career spanning weddings, corporate events, and expos. Her expertise ensures clients receive tailored planning support, from initial consultations to event execution, maintaining the venue's reputation for excellence.
Questions
What venues do you offer for weddings?
We offer Bloomingdale Golf Club and Medinah Shrine Center, both providing elegant settings with flexible spaces for ceremonies, receptions, and related events.
Can you cater events outside your venues?
Yes, our off-site catering serves Chicagoland locations, handling logistics and menus for weddings, parties, and corporate events at your chosen location.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, we customize menus to include vegetarian, gluten-free, and other dietary options upon request.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 6-12 months ahead, though we accommodate shorter timelines when possible.
Are there awards or recognitions?
Bloomingdale Golf Club has won top industry awards for wedding services, reflecting our commitment to excellence.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, checks, and wire transfers for event bookings and catering services.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Kristie Ahern
Jun 04, 2022
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Jon and his team were very professional. Handled all set up and clean up and packaged up any left over food for us. They provided a beautiful buffet of food and continued to cook and refill as needed. The Authentic Mexican Taco Station was the perfect meal for an outside graduation party! We received many compliments from guests on how creative the food tent and buffet was and more importantly, how delicious the food was. Well done!
Phyllis Scamardi
Apr 13, 2022
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Many thanks to Jon and Erik for the great service and good food at my husband's memorial service. Guests commented on food quality and I greatly appreciated the thorough clean up!
Christina Morey
Jan 06, 2022
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I dealt with Jon while handling our catering needs for a baptism. He was extremely helpful and friendly. Arrived on time and the setup was executed perfectly. The food was excellent! Our guests raved about it for weeks. Will definitely work the them again!
Gianna Costa
Aug 05, 2021
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We were SO impressed with the service and quality! We worked with Jon to set up catering for our outdoor party, he was so quick to respond and made everything very easy. Juan and Anna delivered and set up the food. We cannot speak highly enough of their service- they were on top of keeping the food replenished (we had several people say it was the best pulled pork they've ever had- everything we ordered was DELICIOUS) and went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect. Everyone we worked with was so kind and helpful- we can't wait for the next party to use them again!
Marcie Wiklanski
Aug 03, 2021
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Ordering was extremely simple and they were willing to personalize my order. They were also so quick to respond. The delivery was more than perfect and the food was delicious! The set up was beautiful. My guests were SO impressed and kept asking where I catered from. Staff was so professional, friendly, and kind!
Bonnie Jaekel
May 23, 2021
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Recently hosted a small bridal shower and hired Catering with Elegance to cater our event. They were recommended by a good friend who has hired them for various events. Jon was amazing to work with and worked within our budget. The food was delicious. I highly recommend hiring them.
S. Bechler
May 17, 2021
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Catering with Elegance continues to provide scrumptious delectable food to all of his clients! My new favorite is his broasted chicken! We are thrilled that he now has a complete mobile kitchen which provides fresh mouthwatering food immediately. We are so lucky to have known Jon and his staff for three years! He and his staff are highly professional and a pleasure to work with in our many events! His menus are varied and food presentation is creative. Can't wait to see you again in two weeks!
