Occasions Caterers marks 25 years as Taste of the South’s catering partner

Occasions Caterers is marking 25 years as the exclusive catering partner for Taste of the South’s Annual Gala in Washington, D.C., extending a long-running collaboration tied to one of the region’s major philanthropic food events. The 2026 gala will support STEM education and workforce development through hands-on learning, career development and technology access.

Why it matters: - The 25-year partnership has helped sustain one of Washington, D.C.’s best-known charitable culinary events. - Taste of the South raises funds for regional charities while bringing together chefs, restaurants and supporters from across the South. - The 2026 beneficiaries will focus on STEM education and workforce development, which connects the gala’s fundraising to training and access goals.

What happened: - Occasions Caterers celebrated 25 years as the exclusive catering partner for Taste of the South’s Annual Gala. - The milestone was announced in Washington, D.C., on July 22, 2026. - Occasions has supported the event through coordination, hospitality and service. - The company also noted its own 40th anniversary this year.

The details: - Taste of the South began in the 1980s and has brought together chefs, restaurants and supporters to celebrate Southern cuisine. - The nonprofit says it raises and donates more than half a million dollars a year to charities in the Southern region. - The event represents Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. - Taste of the South has been held since 1983 and draws about 3,000 guests each year. - Occasions said the gala requires months of planning and coordination across many states and platforms. - The catering operation routes more than 20 food vendors through Occasions’ production line each year. - Occasions Caterers was founded in 1986 and serves weddings, corporate functions, galas and nonprofit events. - The company joined Compass Group and Restaurant Associates in 2018.

Between the lines: - The partnership gives Taste of the South a stable events partner for a complex annual gala. - Occasions gets a long-running showcase for its large-scale hospitality capabilities. - The event’s scale and longevity suggest it remains a durable fundraising platform in the Washington, D.C. philanthropic calendar.

What's next: - Occasions said it expects to continue the partnership for decades to come. - The 2026 gala will continue channeling proceeds toward STEM education, workforce development and technology access. - More information is available in the company’s announcement.