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Our Story. Susann & Timothy Thomas founded Thomas Caterers of Distinction in 1983 after a fire destroyed the couple’s upscale restaurant on East Washington Street in Indianapolis, Indiana. Instead of rebuilding the restaurant, they decided to put all their efforts into growing their off-premise catering division. One of their first catering jobs was for Mel and Bren Simon who were hosting a party to celebrate the Simon family’s purchase of the Indiana Pacers. In 1985 the company moved to its current home on North Keystone Ave and in 2005 underwent a one million dollar renovation to service the growing needs of their company. In its first year of operation, the company hosted about 50 events a year. Since then Thomas Caterers of Distinction has grown to handle nearly 800 events a year and is known as one of the premiere catering companies in the nation.

Specializing in creating the perfect custom event, Thomas Caterers of Distinction will cater to their clients every need. A professional event staff with over 56 years combined experience can handle all the details of any special occasion including transportation, audio visual, flowers, entertainment, décor, and more. Thomas Caterers of Distinction is the only caterer in the state to have Certified Special Event Planners (CSEP) on staff. In fact, there are only seven CSEPs in the entire state and four of them are with Thomas Caterers or Distinction. The CSEP designation is the hallmark of professional achievement in the special events industry. It is earned through education, performance, experience, and service to the industry.  It is this professionalism and expectation of excellence that distinguishes Thomas Caterers of Distinction as one of the nation’s top caterers.

Because of their high standards, cutting edge menus, quality service and attention to detail, Thomas Caterers of Distinction has become the most nationally recognized catering company in Indiana, cited in over 11 national industry publications and winning numerous awards. Thomas Caterers of Distinction received an international ESPIRIT award in 2002 and 2003 from ISES (International Special Events Society) for Outstanding Off Premise Catering along with a plethora of local PACE (Professional Achievement in Creative Events) awards from 2000-2006 for Best Team Effort, Best Catered Affair, Best Themed Décor and Best Achievement in Logistics. In 2006 Thomas Caterers of Distinction was also voted Readers’ Choice Award Finalist for Best Caterer in Indianapolis by Indianapolis Woman magazine and nominated for an international CATIE Award from the International Caterers Association for Best Use of Mixology.

Some of their clientele include Susan Sarandon, Governor Evan Bayh, President Bill Clinton, First Lady Laura Bush, John Travolta, Roger Penske, Sam Hornish Jr, Rick Mears, Isaiah Thomas, Larry Bird, Cook Corporation, HP Products, Coca-Cola, Red Bull, John Mellencamp, Emmis Communications, and many other notables.

Co-owner and General Manager, Kelly Early, CSEP (daughter of Sue Thomas), is proud of her company’s accomplishments. “We pride ourselves not only for being the leader in our industry but remaining the leader in our industry. Our toughest competition is ourselves. Continuous growth and creativity is important”.

Thomas Caterers of Distinction is the exclusive caterer for the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Indianapolis, Indiana and is on the preferred caterers list for the Indiana Historical Society, the Mavris Arts Center, Hilbert Circle Theater, Indianapolis Arts Center, Indiana Repertory Theater, and many other popular venues. They also operate the Double Eagle Café at the Scottish Rite Cathedral where guests can enjoy lunch daily from 10am-2pm.

When you expect perfection and want nothing less then the best, contact Thomas Caterers of Distinction. www.thomascaterers.com, 4440 N. Keystone Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46205. (317) 542-8333.