JUL 22 · BY CHELSEA DARTEZ

Grade-A Catering Marks 35 Years of Faith and Family in Cookeville

From weddings and celebrations to everyday milestones, Grade-A Catering has helped bring families together for 35 years.

Some businesses begin with a business plan. Grade-A Catering began with a leap of faith. Thirty-five years ago, founder Grada Casey saw an opportunity to provide catering services to local industry, but before moving forward, she sought God’s direction. During that season, she found herself repeatedly returning to Ecclesiastes 11, verses that would ultimately shape both her life and the business she was building.

One passage in particular became a guiding principle: “As a tree falls in the forest, there it lies.” To Casey, the verse was a reminder to remain steadfast and committed regardless of circumstances. Another verse carried equally practical wisdom for a future caterer: “Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle.” Over the years, she has often reflected on those words and the discipline, consistency, and hard work they represent. That foundation of faith, service, and perseverance helped shape not only the business but the family behind it.

Passing the Torch

Today, Grade-A Catering remains a true family operation. Casey’s children, Jonathan and Emma, grew up inside the business, helping prepare meals, serve events, and watch firsthand as their parents built a reputation one customer at a time. As leadership has transitioned to the next generation, the mission has remained remarkably consistent.

“Our Christian heritage, values, and ethics instilled in us through past generations are the principles that guide us in our daily lives today,” Casey said.

Those principles have helped Grade-A Catering navigate changing trends, economic challenges, and even a global pandemic. Over the decades, the business has evolved alongside the community it serves. Church weddings have given way to destination venues and backyard celebrations. Family meals have shifted toward convenient take-home options. Clients have become more knowledgeable about food preferences, dietary needs, and event experiences. Through every change, Grade-A Catering has adapted while maintaining its commitment to quality and hospitality.

Creating Memorable Moments

“We want every event to have a ‘Wow’ factor,” Casey explained. “That is achieved through decor and especially the food and staffing.”

Over the years, the company has catered everything from large corporate events and company picnics to elegant weddings across the country, including a wedding in Arlington, Virginia, and several Christmas parties for the late Charlie Daniels and his band. Yet some of the most meaningful moments have happened much closer to home.

“We have watched so many happy days celebrated around the tables of many families throughout the Upper Cumberland and beyond,” Casey reflected.

That sense of family extends beyond blood relatives. Throughout the years, spouses, employees, friends, and even local sports teams have stepped in to help make events possible. The business has become a community effort in the truest sense.

A Community That Made It Possible

While Grade-A Catering has spent 35 years serving the Upper Cumberland, Casey is quick to point out that the business would not be where it is today without the support of the community.

Years ago, she came across a simple piece of advice that has stayed with her ever since: be a giver, not a taker. It is a philosophy she has tried to apply not only in business, but in everyday life through supporting local nonprofits, churches, schools, sports teams, employees, and neighbors.

“There is always something I have to give, and I have tried to do that every day,” Casey said. “The good has always been returned multiplied.”

That spirit of generosity has helped sustain Grade-A Catering through changing trends, economic challenges, and seasons of growth. More importantly, it has created relationships that extend far beyond any single event.

“Our success in this business has been due to the support and love of this community,” Casey said. “Without the ongoing loyalty of our local customers, we could not exist for long.”

As Grade-A Catering looks toward the future, the family remains grateful for the generations of customers who have welcomed them into some of life’s most meaningful moments. After 35 years, that gratitude may be the most important ingredient of all.

For more information on Grade A Catering, follow them on Facebook or visit their website.