Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Foster.
Hi Jessica , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been cooking for as long as I can remember. I was raised by strong women who believed in cooking from scratch and seasoning by instinct—not by recipe. My mom was a single parent, and as a latchkey kid, one of my regular responsibilities was finishing dinner for my brother and me. She would start the meal before work and leave written instructions on the counter. Eventually, I stopped needing the notes and started experimenting on my own.
By high school, I was cooking regularly and even took the lead on Thanksgiving dinner—a big deal in our community and a serious bragging right! Still, even though I had a clear passion for cooking, I didn’t see it as a career path. This was the mid-90s—long before the rise of the Food Network or the concept of being a “foodie.” Culinary arts simply weren’t presented as a viable profession, so I enrolled in college as an engineering major.
That all changed when I started working part-time as a banquet server at the Opryland Hotel. I had no idea that job would shift the entire course of my life. It exposed me to the world of large-scale hospitality and high-level cuisine from around the globe. I found myself more interested in the dishes being served than the homework waiting for me at home. That’s when I realized it was time to follow my passion. I changed my major to Culinary Arts and went on to earn an A.S. in Applied Science with a concentration in Culinary Arts from Nashville State Community College.
Although food has always been at the heart of what I do, I’ve spent over 20 years working in hospitality, holding roles such as Banquet Captain, Bar Manager, and Banquet Manager. That experience has shaped how I approach my business today—by focusing not just on creating incredible food, but also delivering a seamless and unforgettable guest experience from start to finish.
What I’m most proud of, though, is that my 7-year-old daughter is already following in my footsteps. She loves being in the kitchen and even attends smaller events with me. Her excitement for the business and eagerness to learn beside me has taken my passion to an entirely new level. I always say, my daughter will be bigger and better than I could ever be—and watching her grow in this space is the most rewarding part of all.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been the easiest road. My heart has always been in the kitchen, but life took me in a few different directions before I could fully pursue that path. Once I started culinary school, I knew I wanted to open a catering business—but I didn’t have the tools or resources to do it right away.
I started out as a home-based bakery, offering cakes and treats on weekends. Then in 2020, when the world shut down, I was furloughed like many others. I decided to run a $50 pandemic cake sale for people still trying to celebrate small milestones—and the response blew me away. Shortly after posting the sale I was fully booked for the first month, and that was the sign I needed.
By December 2020, after being furloughed for eight months, I made the decision to walk away from my nearly 20-year hospitality career and go all in on my dream. It’s been amazing ever since—definitely filled with ups, downs, learning curves, and moments of doubt—but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about BEYOND DESSERTS CATERING?
Beyond Desserts Catering is a full-service boutique catering company that specializes in creating custom menus and curated dining experiences for weddings, private events, and special occasions. While we started with sweets—and still offer decadent desserts—we’ve grown to offer full savory menus that blend Southern soul with global flavor.
We’re known for bold, layered flavors, personalized service, and food that feels both familiar and elevated. Whether it’s our whiskey glazed chicken, a classic Southern spread, or a custom dessert table, we bring thought, creativity, and heart to every event.
What sets us apart is our attention to detail—not just with the food, but the full guest experience. My background in hospitality allows us to approach each event with the service mindset of a luxury venue, but with the warmth and personal touch you get from a meal from your family kitchen.
What I’m most proud of is how far the brand has come—especially being built during a pandemic. Beyond Desserts was born in uncertain times, but the response from our clients reminded me that people will always remember how you made them feel. We don’t just feed people—we create moments and memories.
For anyone planning a wedding, celebration, or intimate gathering, I want them to know we’re here to bring their vision to life. We believe food should be meaningful, and every detail should matter.
What’s next?
While expansion is definitely on my mind, right now I’m focused on elevating our current offerings, fine-tuning our internal processes, and finding new ways to get Beyond Desserts Catering in front of more audiences.
One of my short-term goals is to purchase a food truck to operate as a mobile kitchen for catered events. Over the past five years, I’ve noticed that many event venues aren’t fully equipped to support large-scale food service. A mobile kitchen would allow us to maintain the highest quality and consistency, no matter the location, while also adding another layer of service and flexibility for our clients.
It’s all about continuing to grow—but doing it with intention, excellence, and innovation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beyonddessertscatering.com/
- Instagram: beyond_desserts_catering
- Facebook: @beyonddessertscatering
