Best Caterer: Catering by LJ’s

Over the past 15 years, Marion-based Catering by LJ’s has seen numerous changes in catering trends. The latest is a move toward serving an appetizer buffet at weddings rather than a full sit-down meal, said business manager Roxanne Braden, who runs LJ’s with owner/chef Tim Loesel.

“People would rather socialize more,” she said, noting that the business can provide everything from traditional fare like Swedish meatballs and Italian crustinis to more refined dishes like crab-stuffed mushrooms, wrapped scallops and chilled Tai shrimp in Asian cups. The most popular options are the Hawaiian chicken skewers and its varied fruit and meat trays.

LJ’s caters about eight to 10 weddings a season and typically is booked up to a year in advance. The company also provides a range of breakfast, lunch and specialty buffets and boxed lunches for business or personal gatherings.

Ms. Braden attributes word-of-mouth to its third win in a row as Best Caterer.

“People hear about us and want to try us out.”

– Angela Holmes

TIMES ON LIST:

3 Times on Best of List