2016 Best Caterer: Country Gentleman

Country Gentleman first opened its doors in 1978 on Highway 395 in Kennewick, and in 1996, Steve and Shirley Simmons purchased the restaurant from Shirley’s sister, moved to their current location off Clearwater Avenue and the catering business began.

“Catering has always been in my background,” said Shirley Simmons, having worked for 10 years at a country club in Portland. “I’m quite a people person, I love to be creative and I’m a total foodie.”

A hardworking and passionate staff definitely contributes to the success of Country Gentleman. “We can go from delivering a breakfast for 20 at a doctor’s office to a full winemakers’ dinner for 500, so the staff has to wear a lot of different hats.”

When it comes to event size, everyone is given the utmost attention. “Little or big, we treat them all the same,” she said.

The increased popularity of cooking shows has delivered a new element in the catering world. “The Food Network has brought clients to a totally different level,” said Simmons. “They come in wanting exactly what they saw on TV. It’s challenging in a way, but we always try to accommodate, and we rarely use the word no.”

The passion Simmons and her staff have for catering is evident.

“I hear time and time again that we are easy to do business with and that we have such a wonderful staff, and as a business owner, that’s the highest compliment I can receive.”

1. Country Gentleman

9221 W. Clearwater Ave., Kennewick, 509-783-0128

cgcatering.com

2. Castle Catering

706 Williams Blvd., Richland, 509-375-4000

castleeventcatering.com

3. Fiesta Mexican Restaurant

5210 N. Road 68, Ste. L, Pasco, 509-543-6884

8524 W. Gage Blvd., Kennewick, 509-586-4456

fiestarestaurant.com/catering.html

This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 7:23 PM.