The City of Tampa has named the preferred caterers of its long-awaited event space on the west bank of the Hillsborough River. Among the exclusive list of food and drink partners is Catering by the Family, which will help serve the now-open venue — known as the River Center — at the newly launched Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.
One of Tampa Bay’s oldest and largest full-service production caterers, Catering by the Family is a high-volume operation based in Tampa that’s spent more than 35 years building a reputation within the local market. The kitchen is led by chefs Steven Gonzalez Jr. and Eric Champagne, who specialize in putting modern spins on traditional regional dishes.
“We are honored to win this contract, and we take our partnership with the City of Tampa very seriously,” said Steven Gonzalez Sr. in a statement. “We will put our 35+ years of service and experience to work for the River Center at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, ensuring the excellence of every event.”
Formally welcomed last month with a two-day grand opening celebration, the 25-acre Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park is located just outside of downtown Tampa. The River Center — taking up 2,880 square feet — features floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which open to a covered terrace with city views for days (or at least to the Straz Center).
This article appears in Jun 21-28, 2018.