OUR STORY

Our Story

In 1999, John Ellington’s passion for cooking earned him first place in the Best of Beef Virginia Beef Cook-Off. That same year, Ellington Catering was born—fueled by his love for food, Southern hospitality, and creative culinary expression.

After a successful 20-year career as a store manager with Harris Teeter Inc., John transitioned to Fuqua School in Farmville, Virginia, where he served as Manager of Food Service and Operations. In 2000, Ellington Catering merged with the school to form Fuqua Catering, building a legacy of quality and community.

Now, over 25 years later, Ellington Catering LLC has grown into a full-service catering company, known for handcrafted flavors, polished presentation, and warm, personal service.

John's culinary expertise shines through in his mastery of the indirect smoker grill and a deep-rooted love for Southern recipes passed down from his grandmother. Signature dishes like marinated flank steak, Southern-style green beans, ranch mashed potatoes, and homemade dips—especially his famous spinach and buffalo chicken dips—are guest favorites that keep people coming back for more.

Man in black chef coat slicing cooked meat outdoors during a sunset event with tables, chairs, and guests in the background near a body of water.

John Ellington

Owner & Head Chef

Our team is the heart of Ellington Catering. With over 25 years of working together, our staff operates like a well-seasoned family—many of whom have been with us since the beginning.

We are proud to offer not just delicious food, but also exceptional customer service and a level of professionalism that consistently exceeds expectations. Our team is courteous, experienced, and dedicated to making your event seamless and enjoyable.

Food safety is a top priority. We operate out of a licensed facility that is inspected annually by the local health department, ensuring that every dish is prepared with the highest standards of cleanliness and care.

When you choose Ellington Catering, you’re choosing a team that’s passionate, reliable, and deeply committed to making your event a success.

Catering Staff

Owner

John Ellington
Head Chef

RECENT PRESS

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Meet the Team

  • A woman with blonde hair, glasses, and a black top smiling in a modern kitchen with brick walls and open shelving.

    Linda Shepherd

    Catering Event Manager & Chef

  • A woman with curly brown hair, glasses, and a black top, smiling in a modern kitchen with brick walls and wooden shelves.

    Teri Harris

    Catering Event Manager

  • A chef standing in a modern, industrial-style kitchen with brick walls, large windows, and a marble kitchen island with bar stools.

    Bernard Watkins

    Grill Master & Chef

  • A man in a black chef's coat standing in a modern kitchen with brick walls, open shelves, and a potted plant.

    Luke Osborn

    Chef & Carver

  • A smiling male chef in a black chef uniform with sunglasses on his head, standing in a modern kitchen with exposed brick walls, stainless steel appliances, and potted plants on shelves.

    Hugh Pleasants

    Chef & Carver

  • A smiling man in a black chef's coat with a name tag that says Noah, standing inside a modern, well-lit kitchen with large windows, brick walls, and wooden shelves.

    Noah Shepherd

    Chef & Carver

  • A smiling woman in a black sweater with a name tag standing in a modern industrial-style kitchen with exposed brick walls, stainless steel appliances, open shelving, and a kitchen island.

    Karen Barton

    Catering Associate & Bar

  • A woman with shoulder-length dark hair, wearing a black shirt and name tag, standing inside a bright, modern kitchen with large windows, brick wall, and wooden stools.

    Tammy Frank

    Catering Associate & Bar

  • An elderly woman with short, white hair wearing a black shirt, standing in a modern kitchen with brick walls and potted plants in the background.

    Mary Phaup

    Catering Associate

  • Young woman with dark hair pulled back, wearing a black shirt and name tag, standing in a modern kitchen with brick wall and shelves in the background.

    Libby Philips

    Catering Associate

  • A young man with light brown hair and a white button-up shirt standing in a modern kitchen with large windows, brick walls, wooden shelves, and hanging lights.

    Kyle Redford

    Catering Associate

  • Smiling young woman with long brown hair wearing a black sleeveless top, standing in a modern kitchen with brick walls, wooden shelves, and potted plants.

    Mary Reagan Phaup

    Catering Associate

  • A smiling woman with blonde hair wearing a white shirt and black apron in a bright, modern kitchen with large windows, brick walls, and wooden shelves.

    Cheryl Pleasants

    Catering Associate & Bar

  • A young man smiling, wearing a black polo shirt with a name tag that reads 'Ellington' and 'Colton'. He is in a modern, industrial-style kitchen with brick walls, metal appliances, and orange potted plants in the background.

    Colton Reynolds

    Catering Associate

  • A woman with shoulder-length wavy brown hair, wearing a black sleeveless top with white piping and a tied bow at the collar, smiling in a modern kitchen setting with brick walls and shelves holding potted plants.

    Mary Beth Osborn

    Catering Associate & Bar

  • A woman with gray hair and glasses wearing a black neckline shirt and a name tag stands in a bright, modern kitchen with brick walls, large windows, and high-top tables.

    Wendy Lafferty

    Catering Associate

  • A young woman with brown hair wearing a black shirt with a name tag that says 'Ainsley' and 'Ellington Catering', standing in a modern kitchen with exposed brick walls, potted plants, and bar stools.

    Ainsley Harris

    Catering Associate

  • A young man with blond hair smiling, wearing a black chef's jacket with a crumpled tissue in the pocket, standing in a modern kitchen with brick walls, open shelves with plants and dishes, a stainless steel oven, and bar stools.

    Jackson Hicks

    Catering Associate & Carver

  • A woman named Colleen smiling in a cafe or restaurant, wearing a black zip-up jacket with her name embroidered on it and a name tag, with an industrial-style kitchen in the background.

    Colleen Kobiela

    Catering Associate & Bar