Exclusive Catering & Bar Service
Crooked Willow has partnered exclusively with several fantastic caterers at a variety of price points with delicious menu options.
Please note there are no food and beverage minimums. Custom Catering is our exclusive bar service provider. There are no additional charges for bartenders. Our caterers offer a large variety of entrees with many elevated dinner options. It's your day and we can't wait to see what you design with the help of our exclusive caterers.
Please scroll to the bottom of this page for frequently asked catering questions and answers.
Exclusive Caterers
Great Blue Heron Restaurant-Events-Catering
Our team of professional caterers and servers specialize in full-service. We pride ourselves on providing you with fun and delicious menu options, and can create menus to match any budget and any style.
Contact: Paul Pundsack, Catering Manager
paul@blueheronsupperclub.com
320-290-4698
Website: www.blueheronsupperclub.com
Lakes Area Catering
Lakes Catering has been serving customers and events throughout Central Minnesota for more than 15 years. Not all caterers offer fresh food prepared from scratch, professional service and stunning presentation, but Lakes Catering does! Our delicious, homemade meals please any palate.
Contact: Stacy Gerdes
sagerdes@hotmail.com
320-815-0440
Website: www.lakescatering.com
Cutting Edge Catering by Nelson Bros.
From the mouthwatering appetizers to the scrumptious dessert, we keep you in mind with every aspect you require. Let us help you create an unfogettable celebration.
Contact: Dan Lunning, Catering & Events Manager
DanL@clearwatertravelplaza.com
320-558-4273
Website: www. NelsonBrosCuttingEdgeCatering.com
Raaper's Catering Company
Raaper's Catering Company is your full service catering company with a passion for perfection. From Simple to Elegant we do it all. Raaper's has been bringing the best of catering to the Lakes Area since 2000.
Contact: Cammie Rassat
raapers@charter.net
320-760-6619
Website: www.Raapers.com
Pioneer Grill by Knute Nelson
Whether your meeting or event is in the morning, afternoon or evening, the Pioneer Grill by Knute Nelson has a full array of chef-inspired creations that will appeal to all, ranging from boxed lunches to delicious gourmet dishes with flavorful wine pairings and beer.
nicole.toenyan@knutenelson.org
Custom Catering by Shortstop
For over 50 years, we have been Central Minnesota’s preferred caterer. Custom Catering by Short Stop provides a full-service culinary experience for weddings and corporate events.
To contact them with questions regarding their full service bar, catering options, or to setup an appointment for a quote, contact them today!
Contact: Theresa Aschenbrennner
theresa@shortstopcustomcatering.com
Website: ShortStopCustomCatering.com
Exclusive Bar Service
In addition to being one of our preferred catering partners, Custom Catering by Shortstop is our exclusive bar vendor. They have been providing full bar service (bartenders, delivery, insurance, and alcohol) to Crooked Willow couples since 2018. All quotes for alcohol are custom made based on your preferences.
To contact them with questions regarding their full service bar or to setup an appointment for a quote, contact them today!
Contact: Theresa Aschenbrennner
theresa@shortstopcustomcatering.com
Website: ShortStopCustomCatering.com
Frequently Asked Catering Questions
Is there a food, beverage, or guest count minimum?
No. Many venues have minimums because they make a high commission from the caterer based on how much you spend on catering. We want our food and beverage options to be as elegant or affordable as your budget allows, therefore we don't have food, beverage, or guest count minimums.
Is Crooked Willow an environmentally friendly venue?
Yes! We’ partnered with Pope Douglas Solid Waste Management for better recycling practices, organic waste, and less garbage going to the landfill. We have bins in all of our buildings with signage. If disposable plates, bowls, containers, or utensils are used, they will need to be BPI certified compostable and can be thrown in our organic containers. We do not allow Styrofoam/Plastic, cups and utensils. If any of these items are brought in, you may be subject to disposal fees. More information available on popedouglasrecycle.com. Let's all work together to do our part!
Do we have to use your preferred caterers and exclusive bar service?
Yes, our exclusive bar service must be used because they carry the liquor license, liability insurance, and own the bar equipment in our Event Center. On the catering side, while we highly recommend the food caterers on our preferred catering list, we do allow outside catering for a $750 site fee for the reception and/or a $250 site fee for Rehearsal Dinners (applicable to Friday weddings only). Outside catering (those not listed on our preferred catering list) will have to provide a copy of their current Minnesota catering license and insurance to Crooked Willow prior to the event. Outside caterers will also be required to follow Crooked Willow's organic and recycling program (see popedouglasrecycle.com for more information). Quality food and a great experience is of utmost importance to our couples and their guests (and of course to us!). With non-preferred catering, we've seen some that are amazing, and some that fall short. If you find a non-preferred caterer, you may be sacrificing services such as appropriate amount of staff, water carafes on each guest table, linens, included dishware, table setting, and most of all, feeding your guests in a timely manner. We selected the caterers on our list because of their proven track record of great food, full service catering, amazing staff, and fitting into our couples budget!