OUR STORY
At Red Tail Catering, great food is at the heart of everything we do. Based in San Marcos, we’ve built our reputation on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, creative menus, and exceptional service. By partnering with top North County farmers and purveyors, we create wholesome cuisine that’s as flavorful as it is memorable.
From classic buffets to fully customized menus, we craft one-of-a-kind experiences for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations throughout San Diego County. Our state-of-the-art, eco-friendly kitchen and tasting room reflect our commitment to sustainability, quality, and innovation. Every dish we serve features hormone-free meats, free-range poultry, and responsibly sourced seafood.
Meet the Chef – James Stewart
Chef James Stewart grew up in North Carolina, inspired by his mother’s Southern and Midwestern cooking. He began his culinary career in college and later graduated from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. Over the years, Chef James refined his craft in kitchens across San Diego, Maui, and Kauai, holding leadership roles at renowned restaurants and resorts including Jake’s Del Mar, Hula Grill, and Morgan Run.
In 2009, he joined the Wild Thyme Company, where he expanded his expertise into catering operations. His journey continued with the Cohn Restaurant Group at Vintana Wine + Dine, before launching Red Tail Catering in 2014 with a vision to combine exceptional food with seamless service.
Meet the Chef – John Lawson
John Lawson’s love for food started early—his fondest memories from family vacations were always about the meals. That lifelong passion led him into the kitchen, beginning with his first job as a dishwasher at Mariah's Westwind in 2012. After graduating high school, he pursued formal culinary training at Alchemy of the Hearth in San Marcos, CA, earning his certificate in 2013.
John found his true calling in catering, joining Café Caterers where he started as a dishwasher but quickly rose through the ranks. When the company was acquired by Redtail Catering, John took on a leadership role, overseeing kitchen operations and food production. His journey reflects a deep commitment to craft, hard work, and a genuine love of sharing great food.
Why Red Tail?
The red-tailed hawk is revered in Native American culture as a symbol of vision and communication between the earth and the skies. We chose it as our namesake to reflect our mission:
To soar above expectations while staying grounded in service, quality, and integrity.
By staying lean and efficient, we’re able to offer a high-end product at a competitive price—delivering excellence in every event we cater.
