Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Trusted Catering Partner in Raleigh, NC
Layton's Catering is a third-generation family-owned business rooted in North Carolina barbecue tradition. Founded in 1988 by Ricky Layton, our expertise has evolved through decades of perfecting Southern flavors while embracing modern culinary perspectives. We specialize in crafting memorable dining experiences for events ranging from intimate backyard gatherings to formal weddings, using locally sourced ingredients to ensure freshness and community support. Our team combines three generations of barbecue mastery with innovative techniques learned through diverse culinary experiences, including vegetarian cuisine adaptation.With over 30 years of operational history and a commitment to personalized service, we deliver exceptional food quality, Southern hospitality, and event execution expertise. Our dedication to sourcing from local producers like Layton's Produce and Local's Seafood reflects our commitment to regional agriculture and sustainability. Whether catering a corporate luncheon or a celebratory feast, we bring passion, tradition, and creative flair to every plate we serve.
Services
BBQ Catering
Wedding Catering
Corporate Events
Local Sourcing
Vegetarian Options
Dessert Catering
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of third-generation barbecue expertise
- We source ingredients from local North Carolina producers
- Our team adapts to any event size or budget
- We combine traditional methods with modern culinary innovation
- We provide personalized service for every client
Services
BBQ Catering
Our BBQ catering combines traditional North Carolina flavors with modern techniques. We offer slow-smoked meats like pork and brisket, prepared using time-honored methods perfected over three generations. Each catering package includes Southern-style sides and expert service for events of all sizes, from casual backyard gatherings to formal celebrations.
Wedding Catering
Specializing in wedding catering, we create customized menus that blend classic Southern dishes with contemporary culinary innovations. Our experienced team handles food preparation, presentation, and service coordination to ensure memorable dining experiences. We accommodate various dietary preferences while maintaining the authentic flavors that have made us a regional favorite.
Corporate Events
We provide professional catering solutions for corporate functions, including luncheons, conferences, and office celebrations. Our menu options range from casual buffet-style meals to formal plated dinners, all featuring locally sourced ingredients. Our team works closely with event planners to create customized dining experiences that meet specific budgetary and dietary requirements.
Local Sourcing
Our commitment to local sourcing ensures fresh, high-quality ingredients from trusted North Carolina producers. We partner with Layton's Produce for seasonal vegetables and fruits, and Local's Seafood for sustainably caught marine products. This approach supports regional agriculture while delivering superior taste and quality to our clients.
Vegetarian Options
We offer creative vegetarian and vegan menu alternatives developed through years of culinary experimentation. Our plant-based dishes incorporate fresh local produce and innovative preparation techniques to satisfy diverse dietary preferences. These options are designed to complement traditional Southern cuisine while maintaining the same high standards of flavor and presentation.
People
Caleb Layton
Owner & Catering Director
Third-generation caterer with 18 years in pharmaceutical research before returning to family business. Combines traditional barbecue expertise with modern culinary innovation. Specializes in event coordination and menu development that balances Southern tradition with contemporary dietary needs.
Questions
What types of events do you cater?
We cater all event types including weddings, corporate functions, backyard BBQs, and formal dinners. Our team adapts to any setting while maintaining our signature quality and service standards.
Do you offer vegetarian menu options?
Yes, we provide creative vegetarian and vegan dishes developed through years of culinary experimentation. Our plant-based options use fresh local produce and innovative preparation techniques.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 3-6 months in advance for weekends during peak season (April-October). Shorter notice bookings may be possible for weekday events or smaller gatherings.
Do you have a minimum guest requirement?
Yes, we require a 30-person minimum for standard catering services and 45 guests for events requiring on-site service and staff.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Raleigh, NC and the surrounding Triangle area, with catering capabilities extending throughout North Carolina for special events and larger functions.
Reviews (3)
Stephen Ellis
Aug 28, 2018
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Layton's catered my wedding yesterday, and they did fantastic. The food was very well received by all. We've seen lots of positive reviews about their barbecue but went a different route with the Lemon Peppered Grilled Chicken, Roast Beef, and Veggie Lasagna, and all was great. The staff was wonderfully helpful, attentive, and communicative. The price was also very fair.
S. A.
Jul 14, 2017
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Layton's Catering recently catered the Wheels for Heroes Charity Golf Tournament at The Crossings golf club in Durham, NC. Unbelieveable taste all around. Best chopped pullee pork and vinegar based sauce I have ever had. Fried chicken just as good. Wow.cannot wait til I am able to have something for them to cater.
Charlie Chrisawn
Feb 19, 2014
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Let's face it.a lot of these wedding start-up caterers think Barbeque is verb. Not Rick and his group. We've been using them for years and years and the meat is always tender and delicious. Between the meat, the slaw, the fried chicken and the hush puppies, if you close you're eyes, then you'd swear you were at a Eastern NC BBQ pit restaurant. Also, let me emphasize, save room for the banana pudding.
