Picnic Basket – Colorado Springs

About Picnic Basket

Picnic Basket Catering Company began in 1989 when two friends, Kathy Dreiling and Michelle Talarico, combined their shared passion for food, fun, and a modest $300 investment each to launch a catering business. What started as a small venture has grown over the past three decades into one of the most respected catering companies in Colorado Springs, earning the title of “Best Catering Company in Colorado Springs” for twenty consecutive years.

With a reputation built on quality, creativity, and exceptional service, the company has expanded into three unique divisions to meet the diverse needs of its clients:

• Picnic Basket Catering Company

• Buffalo Gals Grilling Company

• Cravings Catering & Five Star Events

Located in southwest Colorado Springs, the company has operated out of its current facility since 1990. Today, it employs 27 full-time staff members and 52 part-time service professionals. The company culture is progressive, inclusive, and family-oriented.

In the past year alone, the team traveled over 30,000 miles throughout the Front Range and Pikes Peak Region to coordinate more than 2,100 events, serving over 135,000 guests. From weddings and corporate events to fundraisers, film shoots, and intimate family gatherings, Picnic Basket Catering brings expert planning and delicious food to venues, outdoor spaces, and private homes across the region.

Kathy and Michelle are now channeling their decades of experience into a forthcoming book titled Soup to Nuts, capturing the most unforgettable moments and lessons learned throughout their catering journey.

What we do

• Weddings

For over 30 years, The Picnic Basket Catering Collective has created the most memorable celebrations of love and family in the Colorado Springs community and beyond. Because your wedding should be as unique as you are, our professional event planners and creative chefs will collaborate with you to create your perfect day. We will take you through every detail of your celebration— including selecting a venue, creating a menu and arranging rentals and décor. All of our menus are fully customizable and offer you the opportunity to craft personalized catering for the wedding of your dreams.

• Corporate Events

The Picnic Basket Catering Collective has created the most memorable corporate celebrations in the Colorado Springs area. From breathtaking venues to inspirational cuisine, our professional event specialists and experienced staff will collaborate with you to create the perfect event.

We understand the stakes of planning a flawless event for your business. We will work with you on every detail of your event, from selecting a venue and creating your custom menu, to arranging rentals and décor. Holiday parties, galas, client dinners and more— our goal is to simplify the event planning experience, so you can remain focused on your business.

• Social Events

Our professional event specialists and creative chefs collaborate with you to create the perfect private event experience. We are Colorado Springs’ premier catering company for memorable birthday parties, graduations, anniversaries, retirement parties, cultural celebrations and more. We will take you through every detail of your celebration— including selecting a venue, creating a menu and arranging rentals and décor. All of our menus are fully customizable and offer you the opportunity to craft personalized catering for the perfect party. Our goal is to simplify the event planning experience, so you can relax and have fun.

• Vip Events

The Picnic Basket Catering Collective has forged a greater sense of community through catering Colorado Springs’ most noteworthy VIP Events. Our mission is to provide you with an extraordinary experience that speaks to your organization’s goals and message, and helps you generate funds for your cause. Our professional event planners will take you through every detail of your event– including selecting a venue, creating your custom menu and arranging rentals and décor. Because your VIP event is as unique as your organization, we’ll work with you to craft a custom menu to suit all your guests’ needs or dietary restrictions.

• Celebration of Life

Our team understands the importance of an event like this, so we’re here to make it as easy as possible for you. We strive to simplify the event planning experience, so you can keep your focus on the more important things. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed throughout the process of planning something like this, so we want to help take care of it for you, that way you can focus on the time you need with your family and friends.