Two Caterers Adds Flavor to Columbus' Catering Scene

In 1997, Angela Petro was a "nontraditional" college grad not quite sure of her career path. "I had a job I hated during the day and, at night, I bartended with a friend," she says. "We used to brainstorm how we could be self-employed."

After the duo was asked to cohost a New Year's Eve party-and their Sam's Club appetizers made a major splash-they decided to jump feet-first into the world of catering. "We thought, 'Sure, this will be easy!' " she says. "It turns out, it isn't that easy."

Fast forward nearly 20 years, and Petro's still at the helm of Two Caterers. Over the years, she honed her knowledge-about food and running a business-and today the company serves thousands of Central Ohio event-goers each year.

Petro's team talks a lot about opportunity cost, she says. "There are little things we can do to help clients brand an event … collateral things that don't cost very much," she says. "We research what each client is already doing and give them the little touches that pull everything together."

Last year, the company purchased the High Line Car House, a renovated historic trolley barn in the Brewery District. Petro, a German Village resident, passed the building daily, thinking about its potential.

"It had been underutilized and unloved for so long," she says of the space that's now booked with events for the next nine months. "When I looked inside, I realized it was exactly what we wanted. It was a business decision, of course, but my heart locked onto the space immediately."

Two Caterers recently hosted a same-sex wedding at High Line complete with entertainment from local LGBT icon Nina West. "It was so fun for us, because we're extremely supportive of same-sex couples," Petro says. "And it was such a loving, community-focused event."

As for what sets them apart, Petro says it's all about staying true to the vision. "It sounds hokey, but this is really a magical place to work," she says. "The energy is so good, and it can do nothing but give our clients the best results."

The cocktail wizards at Two Caterers share recipes that will get your party started.

Arm Candy

• 1 ounce St-Germain
• 1/2 ounce each fresh watermelon and lemon juice
• 1/4 ounce honey syrup

Fill with Champagne and top with a watermelon garnish

Bite the Bulleit

• 4 blackberries, muddled
• 1 1/2 ounce Bulleit whiskey
• 2 bar spoons brown sugar
• 2 dashes bitters
• 2 lemon wedges

Bear Hug

• 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
• 1 1/2 ounce rum
• 1/4 ounce honey syrup
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce strawberry puree
• 2 dashes bitters
• 1 ounce tonic water