At Harding Catering we believe in:
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Integrity - This is first on our list for a reason. Honesty and ethical integrity is evident in everything we do. From food preparation, to event planning and in all dealings with our clients.
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Family - Not just our flesh and blood family, but our staff and employees that make up the Harding Catering family. We enjoy serving you and making you feel like part of our family.
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Community - We live here too. We understand that giving back to our community is critically important to our success. That goes for our whole team.
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Quality - We stake our very reputation on quality. Quality food, quality service. We expect no less, and neither should you.
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Sustainability - Farm-to-table, sustainable and responsible sourcing and using renewable resources as much as possible.
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Tradition - Ours goes back to our love of great food, prepared exquisitely, served with style.
About the Chef / Owner, Bridgett Harding
I never dreamed that when I graduated from Mississippi State University years ago I would not only become a chef, but a chef who enjoys catering special events for family, friends, corporate executives, famous entertainers, men and women of the military, and legendary athletes. I fell in love with a variety of tastes and was interested in learning the techniques for preparing these foods when I spent a summer living in France. It was the French culture that enticed me to return home and attend culinary school.
My culinary learning experience began when I attended culinary school at Hinds Community College in Jackson, MS. Once I realized my passion for cooking, I decided to expand my culinary talents by completing various continuing education classes through the Culinary Institute of America in New York.
Upon completion of culinary school, I worked for several large corporations and then became the lead banquet chef for the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort on St. Simons Island. It was during this tenure that I had the opportunity to work with several great chefs who influenced my cooking.
Although I loved my life as a chef and I enjoyed the beach surroundings, I was missing my close-knit family. I decided to return to my roots in Mississippi and this is where I found all the true "loves" of my life: my husband, my three children, and owning my own catering business.
They say once a chef, always a chef and that is certainly true for me. Although you might get "out" of the business, it will certainly find you again somehow, somewhere. These statements are very true and consequently they lead to where I am today. To my delight, I have been successfully running my own catering business for twenty years now.
Bridgett Harding, Chef / Owner
About the Owner, Chris Harding
With a degree from Mississippi State University in Landscape Contracting, and over 23 years experience in that field, I enjoyed projects on the grounds of Baptist Hospital, Mississippi University for Women, and Mississippi State University.
Starting in 2002, Bridgett ran our business for the next 17 years while I remained a silent partner/owner. By 2019, the business had grown to the point where, with much prayer and inspiration from Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.” It finally felt right to “retire” my rake and shovel to become Harding’s pit master and pizza chef. Instead of trimming the landscape, you could find me trimming a tenderloin, smoking some BBQ, grilling outdoors at our events, deep frying to perfection, or manning our outdoor pizza oven.
Barely a year in and the pandemic took its toll on the business world. This was life- changing, to say the least, as event after event was canceled. It is with a heart of humble gratitude we realized our clients pulled us through this tough time. Smoking ribs and Boston butts was a skill I could bring to the table. Many faithful clients ordered take out and smoked foods for pick up, allowing us to keep the business on solid ground. Fortunately, I was also able to get back to landscaping temporarily until the world started opening back up. Soon, I was back to my full time role with the business in 2021, and there is no looking back now!
One huge role as full-time working partner is maintaining our vehicles and trailer fleet, which has grown to seven, including two large trailers equipped with a kitchen, two vans, and three mid-sized catering trailers. I am also responsible for loading all equipment, serving pieces, and displays for each event. In case you’re wondering, being a Harding, my cooking skills can compete with my wife—my Mississippi fried catfish is requested often!
Chris Harding, Owner
The Team
Harding Catering began with two phone calls from people asking me to cater their daughter's weddings. With much excitement, my husband and I decided that a commercial catering kitchen should be built near our home so that Harding Catering could legally become a business. Our business has continued to grow causing us to increase our staff, expand our building three times, and add multiple catering trailers to our fleet. Here we are.... larger than expected!
The best advertising for a business is word-of-mouth. With that being said, I have been pleased with the amount of business that has come our way due to satisfied clients. In the past I have advertised very little. I make every effort to maintain an honest, easy-to-work-with reputation. My goal is to provide really great food, surrounded by pretty and unique presentations. We strive to make every event special and unique while working diligently to meet the needs and wishes of each and every client.
We look forward to working with you so that your next event is spectacular. Please feel free to contact us at Harding Catering to see our full menus and portfolio of ideas so that we can begin planning your next special occasion.
Join our Team
Event Manager & Food Attendant
Harding is seeking candidates for the position of Event Manager. This detail-oriented, strong communicator will possess the ability to multi-task with ease. Event Manager job responsibilities include oversight of event staff, food presentation, and set-up and breakdown of equipment, as well as ensuring event outcomes meet or exceed client expectations. Specific responsibilities are subject to change, so candidate must also be adaptable.
The Harding Catering Food Station Attendant will be responsible for picture-perfect food presentation, as well as set-up and breakdown of equipment. As all event staff, the food attendant will do everything to ensure the event outcome meets or exceeds client expectations. Specific responsibilities are always subject to change, as need dictates. If you are looking for a job in a fun, fast-paced environment contact Harding Catering today!
Server
Harding Catering is seeking candidates for the position of server. Detail-oriented, strong communication and, the ability to multi-task are a must! The Server Job responsibilities include food presentation, set-up, and breakdown of equipment, as well as ensuring event outcomes meet or exceed client expectations.
Event Cook
The function of Harding Catering Event Cook is to prepare all hot foods following the specifications of Harding Catering and all state and government guidelines. The Cook shall prepare all foods following our recipes and make sure that all foods not only taste great, but look amazing as well. If you are looking for a rewarding position with a world-class catering and event company, apply today!