Kelli’s Catering & Events

How it works

Hundreds of menu options, thousands of variations, and a highly advanced fees system come together to form our new online ordering and booking system.

This may very well be the most advanced catering website for a single company you’ve ever surfed. Enjoy this quick “how to” page as Kelli’s Catering features two very different keystone product types: “All-inclusive” and “A La Carte”.

Step 1: Build your menu

Are you a corporate event planner? Contact us to have your account pre-approved for direct online ordering.

Convenient Online Ordering

All-Inclusive Menu Packages vs. Á La Carte Products

All-Inclusive Curated Menus

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Fully curated menus lend customers a quick and easy way to add a complete catered experience to their cart in one swift click. From the rolls to the main course with salad and cookies often included. The ordering process is quick.

Á La Carte

Build Your Menu

Ordering Á La Carte gives customers direct access to our complete menu by the pan (or bowl, tray etc). These pans sometimes have options such as sauce type however they are otherwise straightforward and offered as “full” or “half” pan (or bowl) serving 8-10 or 18-20 people for full pans. You’ll need to choose your protein, carb and additional courses such as salads individually when ordering A La Carte.

Mac'n Cheese
Mac’n Cheese

Kelli’s Backyard BBQ, found on our Southern Catering Packages menu is the perfect example of a curated catering package. This table top display demonstrates the elements we’ve gathered to compose this proper feast.

Guests can also add to their packages. Select an additional pan of Mac’n Cheese to top off your perfect summer time bash.

Step 2: Additional Event Details

*January 2025 Update: Customers may save their menu and our staff can take it over, however the next steps are visible only to allow transparency for customers to see our fees. Our staff may not be able to see your party details beyond the menu unless you’ve previously ordered with us and have an active account.

Party Size

After you’ve finished building your menu, if you haven’t already done so, enter your party size when prompted in the checkout or cart. We use this information to ensure we have enough servers (if applicable) or extras (cutlery etc). At this point in the process we also will also for your name and email.

*Important note; If you select “all-inclusive” menu options you need to make sure you order enough food for your entire party. This “party size” variable will not change how much food we supply you.

Event Address

This is especially important for our full service options as we will use this address to calculate your travel/delivery fee.

Service type

Once all of the above has been completed you will have the option to select a service type. Each service type has a unique fee associated with it. These fees are visible so customers may be fully aware what their event cost is prior to contacting our staff to book the event.

Step 3: Book event

Placing Your Order / Booking Event

As of January 2025, customers may save their carts and our staff will finalize the event. Simply give us a call (727.365.9294) when ready to finalize your order.

Coming soon: In the very near future customers will have the option to complete their event booking directly on this website.

Catering Fees

Fees are calculated based on your party size and the amount of food you are ordering. Choosing your service type and booking your event is done during checkout wherein you may also select from multiple service style options.

Combine All-Inclusive with Á La carte

Yes, you can combine the two. When combining the two be sure to know that the quantity of people you selected for your all-inclusive menu package will not carry over to your future selections. Á La Carte servings are based entirely off the amount of pans/products ordered.

Catering Packages vs. A La Carte

Kelli offers two different approaches for curating your catering experience. Both options may be added to your menu and ordered right here on shopkelliscatering.com.

Catering Packages


Fully curated menus lend customers a quick and easy way to add a complete catered experience to their cart from the rolls to the main course, salad often included. The ordering process quick; Simply select your desired options (when available), the amount of people you’d like to feed and “add to cart”.

These packages do require a minimum of 10 people, you may however select any amount above 10.

A La Carte


Ordering A La Carte gives customers direct access to our complete menu by the pan (or bowl, tray etc). These pans sometimes have options such as sauce type however they are otherwise straightforward and offered as “full” or “half” pan (or bowl) serving 8-10 or 18-20 people for full pans. You’ll need to choose your protein, carb and additional courses such as salads individually when ordering A La Carte.

These are ordered by the pan and thus; customers have to calculate how much they need to order to feed all the patrons of their events.

Catering Fees

Fees are calculated based on your party size and the amount of food your ordering. Choosing your service type, event location (unless you choose to pickup the order) and associated fees is done in the checkout after your menu items have been added to the cart.

OUr Answers to

Popular Questions

what are your Catering Fees?

Fees are calculated based on your party size and the amount of food you are ordering. Choosing your service type and booking your event is done during checkout wherein you may also select from multiple service style options.

Can I Combine All-Inclusive with Á La carte?

Yes, you can combine the two. When combining the two be sure to know that the quantity of people you selected for your all-inclusive menu package will not carry over to your future selections. Á La Carte servings are based entirely off the amount of pans/products ordered.

General Event Inquiries

Kellis  Catering and Events host all events. We specialize in Birthdays, Weddings, Bridal/Engagement showers, Corporate Events, Pharmaceutical Luncheons, Sporting Events/Professional Sporting Events and so much more. 

It is difficult to predict when catering and event slots will fill up the fastest, but we recommend that you either call in or place your order online to reserve your date as soon as possible. We take reservations on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

General Event Notice Requirements:
Corporate Events/Luncheons: *72 hours  
Weddings/Parties/Events: *1 Week.

We do not guarantee these lead times. They are subject to change based on our availability.

We may also be able to accommodate shorter notice events however this is only possible by calling and booking your event over the phone.

Kelli’s Catering is located in Tampa Bay and serves the Hillsborough and Pinellas County area. While on our online system you will notice that upon reaching checkout our system will ask for your zip code. If you are outside our service area the system will inform you so.

It is possible to bypass this however you will need to call our staff to see if you qualify for services outside our primary service area.

Our trained and professional staff are attired in black pants, black polos/button-down, and black bistro aprons (if needed) 

***With a given notice staff can dress to the Color Scheme, Theme, etc. of your event***

Ordering

Yes, you will need to first either log-in or create an account. In the top of this site you will see a “login” option. From there if you need to create an account, use the “register for an account” link. Once done you will see a “Save Cart” button on the cart page. Be sure to give your cart a unique name such as “Smith 2/3/4” so we can easily identify it.

Once a cart is saved our staff can view it and if preferred, we can take it over for you and complete the booking process over the phone.

From the Account page, customers can also view and load previously saved cards. Be Careful! If you load a previously saved cart it will erase/overright your current cart in its entirety.

Event fees, date and service type: These elements are not saved with your cart as they are variables subject to change on any given day.

Almost! You can build your menu and save it on the cart page. You can then enter some info and determine what your event will cost based on your service type selection. However, when ready to order please call us at 727.365.9294. We will soon be rolling out online ordering in early 2025.

Our fees vary depending on the type of service your event requires. If you prefer to pick up your food and serve yourselves, there are no catering fees unless you also need plates and cutlery in which case there is a fee associated. Our full-service catering options including buffet and plated service carry higher fees based on the crafted menu and amount of people in your party.

The exact fees for your menu and party count will be visible in the checkout of this website after you’ve entered the event address and party count.

If you’d like to order and book your event online, you will have to enter your final guest count prior to placing the order. Need a more hands on approach by our expert event planning staff? We can help there too, give us a call at 727.365.9294

Yes, you may either choose to pay the full order amount or a deposit during the final step of the checkout.

If you choose to pay a deposit online you will be charged the remainder of the event fee the day before the event, automatically, on the same card you paid your deposit with.

Menu

Kelli’s Catering offers two primary options when selecting the food courses for events.  The primary difference among the two options is our ‘catering packages’ always include more than a single dish (or pan). These packages are fully curated menus and have been created to make the ordering process simple and seamless.  

Meanwhile, our ‘Á La Carte’ ordering options are much more simplified.  An item from this menu will likely be a simple pan or half pan of a particular dish.  

Example of a catering package:  Salmon Piccata with Alfredo Pasta.  This package is served with “Basil Alfredo Pasta, Seasonal Veggies, Italian Salad, Garlic Herb Rolls, and Fresh Baked Cookies”

Example of an ‘Á La Carte’ menu item:  Salmon Piccata half pan. 

*Note:  These two different types of catering options can be mixed.  In fact, after adding a catering package to your cart you will be redirected to the Á La Carte menu of the website. 

Our Packages are fully curated menu selections, including multiple dishes.  They often include bread and salad.  These prices are based on the number of people you’d like to serve with a 10-person minimum.  The average price per person is about $25.   

On the other hand, our Á La Carte options are “pan-based” servings and priced accordingly.  A half pan most often serves 8-10 people and a full pan 18 to 20.  Order a quantity of 2 full pans to serve upwards of 40 people.  The average price per person when ordering a single pan is $10.  However, that assumes you would only be feeding your party a single dish such as chicken with no carbohydrates.  Once you add a few pans you’ll be closer to the $25 or $30 per person mark.

Currently, the only way to add a wine or liquor bar to your catered event is via calling us at 727-365-9294

Kelli’s Catering and Events are currently doing To-Go Tastings. Tastings are offered for large events and celebrations such as Engagements, Weddings, Showers, Large Parties,  ETC.  Menu tastings must be requested prior to booking your event online.

We are more than happy to work with you to accommodate any special dietary needs. (GF, V, DF, Pescatarian, Kosher-style) – Let us know what you/your guest restrictions are and we will create the right menu for that event. If there are any known allergies that need to be considered we will make sure to ensure the safety of you and your guest

Currently, the only way to change the menu for your catered event is via calling us at 727-365-9294. If your event is less than a week away we may not be able to fully accommodate large changes to your menu or you may incur fees beyond our normal menu prices.

Absolutely! Chef Kelli loves hearing and creating new menu ideas and is always willing to work with our clients. When a “menu estimate” is sent to you it is NOT finalized, you are able to make any changes or add on as you wish. However, if you are confident that the menu you’ve crafted here on our website is accurate, and place your order, it may become costly to change options afterward. This is especially true if your book your event for a date in the very near future.

Yes, however currently, the only way to add a wine or liquor bar to your catered event is via calling us at 727-365-9294

Yes, you can combine the two. When combining the two be sure to know that the quantity of people you selected for your all-inclusive menu package will not carry over to your future selections. Á La Carte servings are based entirely off the amount of pans/products ordered.

Misc

We have been proudly serving the Tampa Bay for the last 21 years, since 2003.

All Events must be canceled 72 hours prior to the event. Any cancellation after 72 hours will forfeit the 20% deposit.

Catering companies are essentially creating a restaurant for you. Catering cost includes many things such as -Delivery: Driver and Travel Time 

-Set-up and Break Down- Food set-up, display, decor, linens, dishes, glassware, etc. The wait staff is there to maintain the cleanness of the event space, make sure all plates/cups are cleared and leave nothing behind.

-Chef and Waitstaff on that day is just for you and your guest 

As simple as it seems cutting a cake can be quite tedious. The fee is $1.50 per person at your event. Please let us know in advance if this is a service you are looking for or if dessert plates or spoons are needed. 

Gratuities are not included in your bill unless you direct us to do so. However, servers graciously accept tips for a job well done and their services. We suggest 18 – 20% of the food and beverage portions of your invoice, which can be included in your final payment and we will be more than happy to pass it along to the staff.

For full-service catered events; we provide to-go boxes so as you and your guest may take a delicious meal to go. 

Shop Catering Packages

Start by selecting a cuisine category.

Island-Fusion

Italian

Spanish

Breakfast & Boxed lunches

Southern

Shop A La Carte

Start by selecting a cuisine category.

Appetizers

Breakfast

Dessert

Lunch

Island-Fusion

Italian

Spanish

Southern