Riverbanks holds an exclusive partnership with Service Systems Associates, Inc., one of the country’s most innovative event specialist caterers. Having an onsite caterer ensures that your culinary experience is delectable and your event runs seamlessly. With ‘SSA’ being a leader in the culinary world, they are well versed in authentic and classic fare to cuisine on the forefront of food trends. They provide a variety of menus to choose from, or you can work with our Chef to make your culinary vision a reality. SSA is also committed to quality, sustainability and supporting local farmers. With that being said, our event specialist caterer has created a truly global menu with a focus on Southern specialties.
Seafood Watch
Riverbanks is also a Conservation Partner with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program. This program makes it easy for consumers to get involved with making sustainable seafood choices. The way we implement this program in our catering practices is by striving to serve only “Best Choice” or “Good Alternative” seafood items at all events and all other food served at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. “Best Choice” and “Good Alternative” seafood items have been either caught or farmed through sustainable methods and have not been introduced to any type of chemicals, pollution or added feeds.
Donations
We also partner with Oliver Gospel Mission, a local homeless shelter, by donating any leftover food items from our catered events. Oliver Gospel Mission helps those that arrive at their door by providing the tools they need to live fulfilled, functioning, and fruitful lives, ready contribute to and enhance the community.
Our Staff Picks
Our Sales Team is letting you know which menu items they just can’t stop talking about!
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Looking to wow your guests with Southern Classics for lunch? Then Olivia, our Sales & Events Manager, says the Carolina Country Buffet is perfect! She says that our Sweet Potato Biscuits served with fruit preserves pair perfectly with the Southern Fried Chicken, Smoked Beef Brisket, Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese and Collard Greens. We guarantee your guests won’t leave hungry!
Risotto Fritters
McKenzie, our Wedding Sales Coordinator, doesn’t hesitate to say that his favorite item is our Risotto Fritters from our Hors d ’Oeuvres menu. These bite size treats are sure to wow your guests. Our Risotto Fritters feature parmesan risotto that is fried to perfection and served with a pesto dipping sauce. YUM! It is easily one of our most popular hors d’oeuvres.
Mac ‘n Cheese Action Station
Our Corporate Sales Manager, Morgan, suggests our Mac n’ Cheese Action station as a great option for your heavy hors d’oeuvres or stations style menu. We take shell pasta tossed with creamy cheddar sauce and accompany that with toppings for you to choose from, like sautéed onions, bell peppers, bacon bits, BBQ chicken bites, cheddar cheese, bleu cheese and garlic herb breadcrumbs. Talk about endless macaroni and cheese masterpieces that you can create! Okay, that was cheesy, but what else could you expect when you’re talking about Mac ‘n Cheese?
S’mores Station
Amanda, our Events Assistant, suggests this fun dessert option that brings the classic outdoor camping experience to any event. Not only are you being provided s’mores, you are provided the experience of roasting them and building them yourself. The Ndoki Lodge has a fire pit perfect for roasting s’mores. For our other venues, we create an indoor roasting station so your guests can build their s’more exactly how they prefer it, no matter the weather. We know you’ll try at least one, but you’ll end up wanting s’more!
For more information about catering for a private event at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, give us a call at 803.602.0900 or email planyourevent@riverbanks.org.
