Catering by Root
Exceptional catering that transforms lives and feeds our community.
Catering with a Mission
When you choose Catering by Root, you're not just getting delicious food – you're helping transform the lives of young adults through culinary training.
Our Culinary Social Enterprise
Catering by Root is a social enterprise that provides hands-on training for young adults facing barriers to employment. Every order creates meaningful work experience for our program graduates while generating revenue to support our mission.
"Root's food was excellent, and their staff was wonderful to work with. They accommodated our dietary needs, and I love that they support our local economy by training young adults in the culinary arts."
— Satisfied Customer
Our Catering Menu
We offer a variety of menu options perfect for any occasion, from corporate meetings to special celebrations.
Summer Harvest Menu
Our seasonal menus showcase the freshest local ingredients from North Shore farms and producers. This summer, enjoy bright flavors and colorful presentations.
Strawberry & Goat Cheese Salad
Herb Grilled Chicken
Chilled Cucumber Soup
Fresh Berry Tartlets
How It Works
Ordering from Catering by Root is easy. Here's what to expect:
1. Inquiry
Fill out our catering request form with your event details and menu preferences.
2. Consultation
Our catering manager will contact you to discuss your needs and finalize the menu.
3. Confirmation
Receive a detailed proposal and pay a deposit to secure your date.
4. Delivery
We'll deliver your order at the scheduled time, ready to enjoy!
Delivery Information
- $20 delivery fee within Salem
- 48-hour notice preferred for all orders
- We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover
- Staffing available for an additional fee
- Disposable plates and utensils included
- View our full terms & conditions
Meet Our Culinary Team
Our team includes Root graduates who have completed intensive culinary training and now bring their talents to every catering event.
David
Root Graduate & Sous Chef
"The skills I learned at Root helped me find my passion for cooking. Now I get to create amazing food for our catering clients while mentoring new students."
Eboni
Root Graduate & Pastry Specialist
"Root gave me the confidence to pursue my dream of becoming a pastry chef. I love creating special desserts that make our catering events memorable."
Fernando
Root Graduate & Catering Lead
"After graduating from Root, I've continued to grow in my culinary skills. I now lead our catering team for special events and love creating memorable experiences."
The Impact of Your Order
Every catering order supports our mission to transform the lives of young adults through culinary training while addressing food insecurity in our community.
Young adults trained
Employment rate
Community meals weekly
"When clients choose Catering by Root, they're not just getting delicious food. They're helping young adults like me gain the skills to build careers in the culinary industry. Every event we cater creates real-world experience that leads to long-term employment opportunities."
— Thomas, Root Graduate & Current Catering Team Member
Meet Our Team
Our catering team includes program graduates who have completed our culinary training program. They bring passion, skill, and dedication to every event.
"Our goal is to transform the lives of low-income, high-risk young adults by teaching them quality work and important life skills through food service training."
Request Catering
Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch to discuss your catering needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about our catering services.
We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance for most events. For larger events (50+ guests) or special occasions like weddings, we suggest booking 1-3 months ahead. For last-minute requests, please contact us directly to check availability.
Yes! We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other dietary needs. Please specify any restrictions when placing your order, and we'll work with you to create a suitable menu. We take food allergies very seriously and can provide detailed ingredient information upon request.
We deliver throughout Salem and the North Shore area. Delivery fees are as follows:
- Salem: $20 flat fee
- Within 10 miles: $30
- 10-20 miles: $45
- Over 20 miles: Please contact us for a custom quote
Delivery fees may be waived for large orders (over $500).
Yes, we offer staffing services for an additional fee. Our staff includes professional servers, bartenders, and event assistants who can help with setup, service, and cleanup. Staffing rates start at $25/hour per staff member with a 4-hour minimum. Please inquire about staffing when placing your order so we can recommend the appropriate staffing level for your event.
We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is as follows: Full refund if canceled 7+ days before the event, 50% refund if canceled 3-6 days before, and no refund if canceled less than 48 hours before the event. For larger events with custom menus, different terms may apply and will be outlined in your catering contract.
Have other questions? Contact us directly and we'll be happy to help!
Our Sustainable Practices
At Root, we're committed to sustainable catering practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing community benefit.
Locally Sourced Ingredients
We partner with local farms and producers to reduce food miles and support our local economy.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
We use compostable, biodegradable, or recyclable serviceware and minimize single-use plastics.
Food Waste Reduction
Excess food is donated to local shelters or composted, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Our primary delivery area (green) includes Salem and surrounding communities.