Reflecting on 30 Years

Spice of Life Catering (Colorado) is celebrating its 30th anniversary in business. Below, CEO Jeffrey Kollinger reflects back on the company's long career. 

Jeffrey Kollinger. Photo courtesy Spice of Life Catering

Catersource: Can you give a brief history of Spice of Life? How it started, how it's grown/evolved, etc.

Spice of Life’s journey began in September 1993, and it's been an incredible experience. Over the last 20 years, I've had the privilege of guiding this incredible team, and together, we've achieved some pretty great things. Our company is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and we deeply appreciate the support of our local community. We take great pride in our active engagement with both our clients and event-planning peers here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our catering expertise includes a diverse array of occasions, ranging from lively social gatherings and prestigious corporate affairs to intimate private gatherings and grand formal events for a diverse clientele.

Jeffrery Kollinger catering Mark Cuban's birthday celebration. Photo courtesy Kathy Tran

We have honed our craft and methods to best serve our clients. From corporate soirées to extravagant celebrations, we are masters in curating exquisite menus and ensuring that every bite leaves a lasting impression. Along the way, we've had the pleasure of serving some esteemed celebrities, including the likes of Bon Jovi, Mark Cuban, and Ryan Reynolds. Our history is a testament to our passion and dedication, and we're excited for the many more years of delighting clients with unforgettable flavors.

CS: What are some of the things you enjoy most about being a caterer?

I'm passionate about crafting unforgettable events. At Spice of Life, our commitment to meticulous attention to detail is a source of great pride. We consistently endeavor to craft refined menus and atmospheres for our clients, a task that poses its own unique challenges. Our dedication lies in customizing both menu selections and presentation to perfectly suit each event and client, ensuring a fresh and distinctive experience every time.

Photo courtesy Spice of Life Catering

CS: What would say separates your company from other caterers?

Spice of Life excels in a la minute catering, where we craft and prepare our dishes in our expansive kitchen, then give them the finishing touch at the event. Our state-of-the-art kitchen is fully equipped with ovens, stoves, and fryers to ensure culinary excellence. Additionally, we come prepared with tents and generators, allowing us to complete the cooking process on-site, delivering the freshest catering experience possible.

CS: What would you say have been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned over the years?

Photo courtesy Spice of Life Catering

A big lesson I have learned is to stay prepared for impromptu events. Our well-prepared team is always on standby, ready to create and prepare a menu at a moment's notice. We like to keep a versatile inventory to ensure that we’re fully equipped for any event, even if it’s last minute. I also take tremendous pride in our dedicated staff, guaranteeing that we consistently deliver the highest caliber of service.

CS: How has the industry changed in the past 30 years?

As with many industries, the hospitality sector has undergone significant transformations in the wake of the pandemic. Our customers are interested in new and innovative catering experiences. We are constantly innovating, crafting fresh menus, and pioneering cutting-edge dining experiences within the catering industry. We offer a range from perfectly portioned dinners to delicate micro plates, and the excitement of interactive action stations has proven to be a fan-favorite.

Photo courtesy Spice of Life Catering

CS: What advice would you have to other caterers on running a successful catering business for 30 years?

I believe continual reinvention, a passion for your craft, and a commitment to lifelong learning are the cornerstones of success. In my experience, your team and the relationships you nurture are the driving forces behind your achievements. Collaborate closely with your chefs, encouraging them to push the boundaries of creativity. Embrace a fresh perspective. This has consistently proven to be a winning formula for me.

CS: What do you think the next 30 years will look like for your company?

We aspire to continually push the boundaries of culinary innovation, committed to evolving and providing our clients with exceptional experiences. Our passion for our craft fuels our journey, and we envision another thriving 30 years ahead, delighting the next generation of foodies. We're immensely grateful for the incredible journey of the past 30 years – it's been a blast!