Welcome back to Fantasy Sound’s Creative Partner Spotlight! For the month of July, we are excited to introduce Juan Hernandez, owner and chef of Elisa’s Catering! After spending around 20 years working in the fine dining industry, Juan took a leap of faith to pursue his lifelong dream of opening his own place and creating delicious food for others.
We can’t wait for you to read all about Juan’s journey and what inspires his work. Let’s dive in!
Tell us a bit about your professional background. What brought you to the event industry?
I spent about 20 years working in fine dining as a bartender and server. Although I always wanted to work in the kitchen, I never had the opportunity to get hired for a kitchen position. Instead of giving up on that dream, I decided to open my own place so I could finally do what I had always wanted—work in the kitchen and create great food for others.
From the very beginning, I’ve always wanted to get into catering, with weddings being my main focus. There’s something truly special about seeing two people begin a new chapter of their lives together, and I love being part of that celebration. Knowing that our food and service help create lasting memories on one of the most important days in a couple’s life is incredibly rewarding. Being trusted to play a role in such a meaningful occasion is both an honor and the reason I have always been passionate about wedding catering.
What do you love most about your job?
I love my job because it allows me to bring people together through great food and unforgettable experiences. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing guests enjoy a meal that my team and I have worked hard to create. Every event is different, and I enjoy the creativity, the fast-paced environment. Seeing the smiles, hearing the compliments, and knowing we’ve helped make an important occasion successful is what makes me love what I do.
What’s the most memorable reaction you’ve experienced from a couple on their wedding day?
One of the most memorable reactions we’ve ever experienced on a wedding day didn’t come from the bride and groom—it came from their parents. With tears in their eyes, they walked over, gave us a hug, and said, “Thank you so much for making our kids’ day so special”.
If you could share one wedding planning tip with an engaged couple, what would you tell them?
Don’t get so caught up in making everything perfect that you forget to enjoy the day. You’ll remember the people you celebrated with, the love you felt, and the memories you created. Trust the professionals you’ve hired!
If you’re looking for a caterer that not only cares deeply for their couples, but also takes great pride in their work, look no further than Elisa’s Catering! Be sure to check out Elisa’s Catering and follow along on Instagram at @elisascatering1.
Thank you, Juan!
