Every couple has a story, and at weddings, food often becomes one of the most memorable ways to tell it. From heirloom-inspired dishes to modern crowd-pleasers, The Happy Catering Company has spent decades helping couples across Birmingham and Central Alabama design menus that feel like an extension of who they are.
From Downtown Restaurants to Wedding Receptions
The story of The Happy Catering Company begins with Vassilli’s love for hospitality. After purchasing his first restaurant, Andy’s on the Green, in 1992, he started delivering lunches to downtown office towers to fill slower days. When a law firm client asked, “Do you do weddings?” he answered “Yes” — and then built the rest from there.
Over time, Vassilli owned several restaurants on 20th Street (including Slap Happy’s and the Parliament House Hotel with its 600-seat ballroom), and by 1995 operations had consolidated into a large commissary with offices in Homewood. That’s when Robbie Dyson joined the team — and The Happy Catering Company truly began to flourish.
The name? Simple and honest: when the time came to brand the catering side of the business, they kept the “Happy.”
A Philosophy Centered on Flexibility
Ask The Happy Catering Company to sum up its approach and you’ll hear it in plain words: “Catering Clients’ Needs” and “No Set Menus.”
What that means is flexibility. The team offers a wide selection of menu options and welcomes couples to a collaborative consultation where they share their favorite foods, family traditions, and the atmosphere they want for their wedding day. From there, the caterer curates a menu — whether the couple wants an elegant Plated Dinner, a structured Buffet, or a lively Stations reception filled with variety.
“Custom should be our middle name!” they say — and it shows in the way menus are built and executed.
Signature Offerings: Guest Favorites and Crowd Pleasers
Because The Happy Catering Company works across so many menu styles, favorites vary by format. But a few dishes consistently stand out:
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Formal Buffets / Plated Dinners: Tuscan Baked Chicken Breast; Herb-Encrusted Beef Tenderloin; Braised Beef Short Ribs
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Heavy Hors D’Oeuvres / Stations: Southern Shrimp & Grits Station; Macaroni & Cheese Bar; Bang Bang Chicken; the Famous Swiss Cheese & Bacon Dip
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Dessert Favorites: Banana Pudding Shooters; Caramel Candied Pecan Bread Pudding
For couples who want a surprise element, the team has even served a Bacon Bar (featuring applewood, candied, jalapeño, and chocolate-dipped varieties). Creative touches like this are exactly what makes a menu unforgettable.
Presentation as Edible Décor
At The Happy Catering Company, food isn’t just served — it’s styled. The team especially loves designing Heavy Hors D’Oeuvres and Stations menus because they allow for striking, eye-catching presentation. Displays are built to feel like part of the reception design, giving couples décor that also delights the palate.
How Couples Shape Their Menu
The process is simple and collaborative:
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Consultation: Couples meet with the team to talk favorites — from date-night staples to family recipes — and describe the atmosphere they want.
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Curation: Using those notes, the team recommends and curates a custom menu. Couples can also choose from sample menus if they prefer a starting point.
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Execution: The service format — Plated Dinner, Buffet, or Stations — is matched to the couple’s vision and the logistics of their venue.
Making Every Guest Feel Welcome
From gluten-free entrées to vegetarian plates and kid-friendly portions, The Happy Catering Company makes it a priority to accommodate every guest. Their team works with couples in advance to note allergies and dietary preferences, making sure the menu reflects the same thoughtfulness as the rest of the day. Whether it’s customizing a single plate or adjusting an entire course, they believe no one should feel like an afterthought at the table.
Choosing Between Plated, Buffet, or Stations
The team helps couples decide based on tone and space:
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Plated Dinners: Formal and structured, separating dinner time from party time
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Buffets: A more flexible but still structured approach
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Stations / Heavy Hors D’Oeuvres: Lively, interactive, and perfect for mingling receptions where not every guest needs a seat
Wedding Trends and Personal Touches
Today’s couples want receptions that reflect their personalities — in essence, weddings that feel branded. Menus, displays, and details are designed to express who they are as a couple.
The Happy Catering Company thrives in that space, offering creative spins like the Bacon Bar or displays that double as décor, ensuring the food is as memorable as the first dance.
Heartfelt Moments That Matter Most
Beyond the menus, it’s the stories that inspire the team. One of their most treasured memories is catering a Wish Upon a Wedding vow renewal, where they joined other vendors to create a dream day for a deserving couple. Experiences like these remind them that weddings are about more than food — they’re about community and love.
If They Planned Their Own Menu
When asked what they would choose for their own wedding today, the team laughed — then admitted they’d go for an upscale Southern Heavy Hors D’Oeuvres spread. Favorites would include the Southern Shrimp & Grits Bar, Braised Beef Short Ribs with Parmesan Polenta, Mini Chicken & Waffles, Banana Pudding Shooters, and Caramel Candied Pecan Bread Pudding. Comfort, flavor, and celebration all in one.
Pro Tips Every Couple Should Know
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Guest Count Drives Budget. Your guest list has the biggest impact on your catering budget. Keeping it intentional can open up room for the menu you truly want.
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Book Early. Reserve catering 8–12 months in advance; for peak seasons (April–June, September–December), aim for 12–14 months.
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Match Menu to Mood. Choose your catering style based on the tone and energy you want your reception to have.
Final Thought
Whether you’re envisioning a timeless Plated Dinner, an interactive Stations menu, or a playful, personalized twist like a Bacon Bar, The Happy Catering Company delivers more than just food. With decades of expertise, a passion for presentation, and a focus on each couple’s story, they craft menus that taste as good as they look — and create memories that last long after the last bite.
