From Local Restaurant to Nationally Recognized Catering Company: The Thomas Caterers of Distinction Story

They went from “The Accidental Caterers” to award-winning caterers. I refer to Thomas Caterers of Distinction as “The Accidental Caterers” due to a 1980s publication that coined the phase for the catering company's original owners. I refer to them as award-winning caterers due to their too-many-to-mention accolades from several renowned organizations. Once upon a time, the founders of Thomas Caterers— Timothy and Susann Thomas owned an upscale restaurant in Indianapolis. Their beloved restaurant was destroyed by a fire and because an investigation had to be conducted due to a suspicion of arson, the couple was forced to delay re-building the restaurant. In the meantime, they capitalized on Plan B and began a catering company that could provide income until the restaurant could be rebuilt. Two years into catering, Timothy and Susann were hooked and Plan B became Plan A. They never looked back.

Fast forward 30 years, and Thomas Caterers has become the most nationally recognized catering company in Indiana servicing almost 500 events per year. A few of their accolades include titles like “Best Team Effort,” “Best Hors d'oevres,” “Outstanding Off-Premise Catering,” and “Best Catered Affair” from prestigious regional, national and international organizations. It is now owned and managed by Kelly Early, daughter of Timothy and Susann.

But the company has grown far beyond its traditional catering roots. For one, they provide every aspect of the dining table for events including linens, flatware, glassware, china, menu, beverages and service staff. Secondly, Thomas Caterers actually runs four of the most sought-after venues in Indianapolis: Scottish Rite Cathedral, D'Amore, CANAL 337 and recently acquired Black Iris Estate.

The Venues

Scottish Rite Cathedral

Scottish Rite was the initial venue that Thomas Caterers acquired in 2002 when they became the venue's exclusive caterer. Scottish Rite is located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis and features an elegant 1920s structure with ornate woodwork and craftsmanship throughout. It has four separate event spaces available for both ceremonies and receptions.

D'Amore

After business was booming at Scottish Rite, the company set out to expand to open its own venue rather than serve as an exclusive caterer to another venue. The perfect opportunity revealed itself on the 48th floor of the Chase Tower in downtown Indy. Thomas Caterers has leased the space since 2010 and named it "D'Amore." D'amore offers unparalleled, 360-degree views of downtown. The floor it lives on is the highest point in the city. Inside, D'Amore offers a modern-chic vibe with stark white walls and floor-to-ceiling windows. 

CANAL 337

Thomas Caterers purchased CANAL 337 and opened it in the spring of 2014. Unlike their other two venues which were historical and modern respectively, CANAL 337 is a spacious, rustic-chic space located at the end of the canal. The interior boasts cement-stained floors, exposed rafters and beams, and a brick facade. It also has an outdoor space on each floor and features two separate event spaces.

Black Iris Estate

Just a year after purchasing CANAL 337, Thomas Caterers jumped on the opportunity to acquire the Oak Hill Mansion in Carmel which was renamed as Black Iris Estate. Set to open in spring of 2016, this venue will offer a Southern vintage charm and feel that is unlike any of the other three venues. Situated on a beautiful wooded lot, Black Iris Estate will have an outdoor ceremony and deck space in addition to a lovely ballroom with giant glass windows. 

The future is uncertain for Thomas Caterers of Distinction, but not because the company lacks vision. Rather, Thomas Caterers' history indicates that the vision has been bold, the risks have been high, and the results have been worth it. What began as a local restaurant has exploded into a internationally recognized company that is certainly a jack of all trades featuring rentals, venues and catering. And as they say, the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. That is certainly the case with Thomas Caterers of Distinction who continues to reinvent themselves and  yet, maintains its commitment to provide exquisite flavors, extraordinary presentation, a service-oriented staff, and to keep pushing forward to remain on the cutting edge of the industry.

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