Third Degree is thrilled to spotlight Larry Gerstein and his catering company Championship Catering this week as our featured vendor. Championship Catering is consistent, delicious, and affordable – which is why they are one of our preferred caterers. From buffet-style entrees perfect for weddings to sandwiches and salads great for corporate lunch meetings, Championship Catering has the ideal menu for any event.
Most recently, Championship Catering has expanded its options to include budget-friendly entrees without sacrificing flavor or quality. These lower-priced selections start at just $10 per guest, and hail from Larry’s family recipes. His new lower-priced selections go perfectly with our new Micro Weddings package! With recent concerns regarding Covid-19 and food safety, you can rest assured that Third Degree and Championship Catering have implemented new processes to protect you and your guests.
We sat down with Larry for a quick Q & A. Larry’s passion for food is apparent – he knew he wanted to open a restaurant by the age of 6. Graduating with a degree in hotel and restaurant management from Denver University, Larry went on to open a 50’s themed diner in Creve Coeur Plaza. His dream evolved from there when he realized he’d rather run a catering business than a restaurant.
What is your favorite thing about the industry?
That’s easy, it is getting to do what I love to do, in cool places with happy people! How about the Cardinal’s and Visitor’s Clubhouse and backstage at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater? Great right? But it does not stop there. Imagine your job taking you to wonderful venues like the Missouri History Museum, City Museum, Magic House, Butterfly House, and of course Third Degree Glass Factory, I can’t say it enough. Great venues in a dynamic industry.
When did you start Championship Catering?
In 2004 I sold my first catering company, Custom Catering. For 18 years we specialized in corporate catering and in foodservice accounts. Selling that business allowed me to be able to go back to school and earn a Master’s in Business Administration. That was the spark which lead to the launch of Championship Catering in 2009! Our specialties are events and wedding catering. On the event side, we cater to The St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Ambush, Hollywood Casino Amphitheater and many corporate and private parties. And of course, we love catering weddings. There is always so much life and celebration, especially when they are held at such great venues, like Third Degree Glass Factory! There are really so many great venues in St. Louis it makes catering events fun and special.
What is your favorite thing to cook?
Fresh pasta with authentic sauces, onsite Chef-prepared, made to order breakfasts, are my favorites. Everyone has specific tastes or dietary restrictions, which is why my made to order buffets make me happy. I am able to provide just what someone wants or needs and I can see immediately how happy that makes them.
What is your favorite thing about St. Louis?
The food choices are fantastic. I also love going to live theater performances and concerts. We have a great music scene here. Being such a concert lover makes being able to cater at the amphitheater that much more special.
What are your favorite entrees or specials?
We are able to provide an extensive menu selection mainly because we have such a talented staff. In particular, we just designed new value-based menus at $10.00 and $13.00 per person menus that so many people love and have ordered. It has always been a personal goal to create the perfect menu for a person’s individual taste and budget. There is nothing we can’t do. We’ve designed complete gluten-free event catering and catered many totally vegan weddings. That’s what I really like about food, everybody’s tastes and budgets are different and it inspires our food creativity. Our Mexican buffets are fun and always decorated, and we even catered a Caribbean themed wedding.
KUDOS
“Third Degree was everything my husband and I dreamed it would be! From the glass blowing ceremony to keep our guests happily entertained during cocktail hour to the amazing outdoor space used for our sparkler send off, we couldn’t have been more happy! We worked with Tracey throughout the entire process and she is the sweetest event coordinator who was genuinely excited to help make our special day perfect.”
~2019 Bride
From custom design and decor to creative signature cocktails, our staff can help you create an unforgettable event with our unique extras. To schedule a site visit, book your event, or gather more information, contact Allison at events@stlglass.com or 314-396-2825.