Celebrating A Fresh Connection’s 15th Anniversary: From Humble Beginnings to Tampa Bay’s Premier Caterer
- Bill O'Brien
- 3 days ago
- 12 min read
"Happy 15th Anniversary Chef Lisa. It seems like just yesterday we were sitting outside at brunch, tossing around name ideas for your next big step (if you remember, we were there with Helena). A Fresh Connection Catering was born from that conversation — along with our tag lines, "fresh flavors, fresh ideas" , and "creating custom menus that are uniquely you".
Fifteen years later, those values, and tag lines, still define everything you do. I’ve watched your business grow from an idea into one of Tampa Bay’s most respected catering companies, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the journey."
Happy 15th Anniversary, Lisa.— Bill O’Brien
A Milestone Worth Celebrating 🎉
2025 marks a major milestone for A Fresh Connection Catering — our 15th anniversary serving the Tampa Bay area with heart, flavor, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. What began in 2010 as a passion project by Chef Lisa Prather has grown into one of the region’s most trusted and celebrated catering companies, known for customized menus, fresh ingredients, and unforgettable service.
Founded on a belief that food has the power to bring people together, A Fresh Connection Catering has spent the past 15 years creating meaningful moments across St. Petersburg, Tampa, and beyond. From elegant weddings to high-profile corporate events, intimate memorials to joyful celebrations, we’ve been honored to be part of the most memorable days in our clients’ lives.
At the center of it all is Chef Lisa Prather, whose journey from corporate executive to certified culinarian fueled the company’s mission: to deliver fresh, scratch-made cuisine with personalized, professional service. That mission remains unchanged, even as we’ve grown — adding team members, expanding service areas, and building partnerships that continue to define our success today.
✨ This anniversary is more than a number — it’s a celebration of growth, gratitude, and the connections we’ve built, one event at a time. It’s a chance to honor our roots, reflect on the lessons learned, and share how we’ve evolved from a one-chef operation called The Fresh Exchange to a full-service powerhouse known across the Tampa Bay catering scene.
In this post, we’ll take you behind the scenes of our 15-year journey — the highs, the hustle, and the heart that got us here. Whether you're a longtime client, a new follower, or someone searching for the best catering in St. Petersburg or Tampa, we invite you to celebrate with us. Because at A Fresh Connection Catering, it’s always been about more than just food — it’s about creating moments that matter. 💛
The Humble Beginnings: The Fresh Exchange (2010) 👩🍳
The story of A Fresh Connection Catering begins in 2010, when Lisa Prather, a seasoned professional working in the corporate world, took a bold step toward building something of her own — something rooted in passion, creativity, and community.
While balancing a full-time corporate career, Lisa launched a side venture called The Fresh Exchange — a name that reflected both her approach to food and her desire to create something new. Offering private chef services and boutique-style catering for small gatherings, she quickly built a following in St. Petersburg and the surrounding Tampa Bay area.
🍽️ Her reputation grew thanks to her fresh, vibrant menus and the unmistakable warmth she brought to every event. Clients weren’t just hiring a chef — they were inviting someone into their lives who truly cared about making each meal special.
In 2011, Lisa enrolled at the Art Institute of Tampa and earned her degree in Culinary Arts, becoming a Certified Culinarian (CC). This formal training complemented her natural talent and gave her the confidence to elevate her offerings — all while continuing to work full-time in the corporate world.
🌱 The Fresh Exchange became more than a side hustle — it became a proving ground. It was where Lisa refined her menus, developed her service philosophy, and realized there was a genuine demand for personalized, chef-driven catering in the region.
Despite growing demand, Lisa didn’t immediately leave her corporate position. Instead, she built slowly and intentionally — investing time, energy, and care into every client experience. It wasn’t until 2018, after opening her first brick-and-mortar location, that she stepped fully into her culinary career.
💡 “This all started at my dining room table,” Lisa says. “I just wanted to cook for people and make them happy. The rest grew from that simple idea.”
The Launch of A Fresh Connection Catering (2015) 🚀
By 2015, after five years of steadily growing her client base under The Fresh Exchange, Lisa Prather knew it was time to take the next step. Her side business had become something much bigger — a trusted name in small event catering, known for food that was fresh, flavorful, and full of heart. It was no longer just a passion project — it was a business with a clear vision and a loyal following.
That same year, she officially launched A Fresh Connection Catering, a full-service catering company based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The new name reflected not only her commitment to fresh, from-scratch cooking, but also her belief that food has the power to create lasting connections — between people, families, communities, and cultures.
🍋 “A Fresh Connection” wasn’t just a catchy name — it was a mission. Lisa’s goal was to build a company that brought people together through thoughtfully prepared meals, tailored menus, and warm, personalized service. Whether it was an intimate backyard brunch or a large-scale corporate event, her team was ready to deliver not just a meal, but a memorable experience.
As the company’s calendar filled with weddings, birthdays, and corporate functions across Tampa Bay, Lisa continued to work full-time in the corporate world — balancing spreadsheets by day and orchestrating events by night and weekend. That dual life required grit, vision, and a relentless dedication to quality, and it laid the foundation for the company’s long-term success.
💡 With Lisa’s culinary creativity and business acumen guiding every step, A Fresh Connection Catering quickly stood out in the crowded Tampa Bay catering scene. From its earliest events, the company earned rave reviews for its hospitality, presentation, and bold, layered flavors — a reflection of Lisa’s Floridian roots and global palate.
As demand continued to grow, it became clear that this wasn’t just a catering company. It was something larger — a trusted partner in celebrations, a culinary collaborator, and a community-centered brand ready to make its mark.
Growth, Grit, and Great Events: Highlights from the Last 15 Years 🌟
What began with a handful of private chef clients in St. Pete has, over the last 15 years, blossomed into one of the most respected and versatile catering companies in the Tampa Bay area. Through hard work, creativity, and an unshakable commitment to excellence, A Fresh Connection Catering has grown steadily — not just in size, but in reputation, reach, and impact.
🎯 The company’s growth was fueled by word-of-mouth, repeat clients, and a reputation for delivering consistently exceptional experiences. As the scale of events expanded, so did the team, the services, and the vision.
In 2018, A Fresh Connection opened its first brick-and-mortar space — a major turning point that provided a central home for operations. That same space eventually became the birthplace of Florida Chefs Workshop, St. Pete’s first shared-use commercial kitchen, dedicated to helping fellow food entrepreneurs build their own dreams. Today, it also hosts pop-up events and showcases from Workshop clients — a fitting evolution of a space built on innovation.
🥇 Over the years, A Fresh Connection has received numerous accolades and honors:
Named Number 1 Caterer in St. Petersburg by ThreeBestRated — three years in a row
Recognized by WeddingRule as the number one Wedding Caterer in St. Petersburg
Featured in Bay Magazine’s April 2025 issue, spotlighting “The Art of Entertaining”
Quoted by the Tampa Bay Times as a trusted voice on holiday hosting, catering trends, and post-hurricane community support
🍽️ The company’s calendar has been filled with unforgettable events — from elegant beachfront weddings and milestone birthdays to corporate holiday galas, nonprofit fundraisers, and celebrations of life. Each event is guided by the same values: a thoughtfully crafted menu, warm professional service, and an unwavering attention to detail.
🤝 But growth has never been just about numbers — it’s always been about people. Over the years, A Fresh Connection has:
Supported charitable organizations like the Children’s Sunshine Foundation as a Legacy Donor and Silver Sponsor
Stepped up in times of crisis, preparing and delivering food during hurricane relief efforts across the Tampa Bay area
Partnered with local schools to provide hundreds of meals to students and families in need
Donated space and resources to support small food businesses through Florida Chefs Workshop
Participated annually in the Gourmet Feastival, supporting the efforts of The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women and helping raise funds through culinary creativity and community engagement
💬 “We’ve had the privilege of being part of so many meaningful moments,” Lisa says. “And we’ve always believed that every plate is a chance to serve with purpose — whether it’s at a wedding or in a time of need.”
The People Behind the Plates: Our Team, Our Heart ❤️
At the core of A Fresh Connection Catering’s 15-year journey is a truth we’ve held from day one: great events don’t happen without great people. Behind every beautifully plated dish, every seamless event, and every satisfied client is a team dedicated to excellence — and grounded in passion, professionalism, and purpose.
👩🍳 Chef Lisa Prather, founder and executive chef, is the visionary behind it all. With a culinary degree from the Art Institute of Tampa and the distinction of being a Certified Culinarian (CC), Lisa brings a refined, chef-driven approach to every event. But what truly sets her apart is the way she leads — with kindness, creativity, and an uncompromising standard for quality. Her menus reflect her personality: vibrant, thoughtful, and rooted in connection. Whether she’s consulting with a couple on their wedding tasting or preparing meals for hurricane volunteers, Lisa brings the same care and attention to every dish and every guest.
📣 Bill O’Brien has been with Chef Lisa’s company since day one and serves as the Director of Sales and Marketing for both A Fresh Connection Catering and Florida Chefs Workshop. His efforts have helped shape the company’s brand, expand community engagement, and strengthen relationships with both clients and culinary professionals across the Tampa Bay area. Bill has also been instrumental in telling the story of A Fresh Connection through published blog posts, a featured article in Bay Magazine, and media contributions to the Tampa Bay Times, where he has shared insights on holiday catering and event planning in the region.
👨🍳 The Culinary Team is a close-knit group of chefs, sous chefs, and pastry professionals who deliver excellence every day. Many have trained alongside Lisa or bring with them years of experience in hospitality and events. Their ability to adapt to any event style — from intimate plated dinners to themed buffets and grazing tables — is a testament to their creativity and consistency.
🤝 Our Service Staff and Event Team are the friendly faces who ensure every event runs smoothly and every guest feels seen. Their warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail are a big reason why so many clients return for event after event — and recommend A Fresh Connection to others.
🌟 What ties our team together is a shared belief: that food is a form of connection. Whether we’re catering a corporate holiday party or serving comfort food at a celebration of life, we bring heart to the table — every single time.
💬 “From our kitchen crew to our front-of-house staff, everyone here believes in what we do,” Lisa says. “We’re more than a company — we’re a foodie family.”
What Makes A Fresh Connection Premier in Tampa Bay 🏆
In a region filled with talented caterers and event professionals, what makes A Fresh Connection Catering stand out after 15 years? It’s not just the food — though that’s certainly part of it. It’s the way we serve, the care behind every detail, and the connections we build with each client and community we’re fortunate to feed.
Here’s why A Fresh Connection continues to be recognized as one of the best catering companies in St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay:
🍽️ Custom, Chef-Driven Menus
No cookie-cutter packages here. We collaborate with our clients to create custom catering menus tailored to their tastes, dietary needs, event style, and budget. Whether you want a vegan grazing table, a plated Mediterranean-inspired dinner, or a Southern-style brunch buffet, our chefs work from scratch to bring your vision to life.
We’re known for blending Floridian, Mediterranean, and Caribbean flavors into menus that are as exciting as they are delicious — always fresh, always from the heart.
🏖️ Deep Local Knowledge
We’ve catered events at beaches, ballrooms, backyards, breweries, cathedrals, and docks by the bay. With 15 years of experience in St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, and throughout the Tampa Bay area, we know the venues, the flow, and the little details that make an event successful in this region.
That local expertise means we can offer advice beyond the food — from venue recommendations to vendor partnerships and event timing tips based on weather and season.
🛠️ Truly Full-Service
We’re more than just a catering company. We’re a partner in planning. From drop-off luncheons to full-scale wedding weekends, we handle food, staffing, rentals, bar service, and coordination as needed. Our clients don’t just come to us for meals — they come to us for peace of mind.
We also offer licensed bartenders, curated bar packages, and can source specialty rentals to match your vision. It’s all part of making sure your event is seamless and stress-free.
🤝 Florida Chefs Workshop: Community & Collaboration
Our commitment to the culinary community goes beyond our own events. As the home base for Florida Chefs Workshop, we provide a state-of-the-art commissary kitchen for food truck owners, bakers, meal prep companies, and pop-up chefs. This space has become a launchpad for dozens of local food entrepreneurs — and another way we stay inspired and connected to what’s new and next in Tampa Bay’s food scene.
Clients love knowing that when they book A Fresh Connection, they’re supporting a business that invests in its community and uplifts other small food businesses, too.
💛 A Client-First Culture
At A Fresh Connection, we don’t just serve meals — we build relationships. Our team gets to know each client’s unique story, preferences, and priorities. That personalized approach is why we’ve had so many repeat clients over the years — from couples returning for baby showers to corporate partners who book us year after year.
We don’t aim to be the biggest. We aim to be the best — the most responsive, the most thoughtful, the most memorable. And after 15 years, our reviews and referrals speak for themselves.
Looking Ahead: The Future is Fresh 🌿
As we celebrate 15 years of growth, creativity, and connection, we’re just as focused on the future as we are proud of our past. A Fresh Connection Catering isn’t slowing down — in fact, we’re embracing new opportunities to serve our community, support fellow food entrepreneurs, and keep doing what we love: creating unforgettable experiences through food.
🚀 Expanding Possibilities with Pop-Ups & Collaborations
While we’ve retired our café and bakery, our former storefront has taken on a new life as a flexible venue for pop-up events, chef showcases, and tastings — primarily led by clients of Florida Chefs Workshop. From preview dinners and seasonal menus to small-scale private gatherings, this space allows us to continue highlighting the diverse culinary talent growing within our kitchen community.
We’re proud to support the next generation of chefs, bakers, and food truck owners as they test new ideas, launch new brands, and connect with local food lovers — often for the very first time.
🌎 More Than Catering: A Community-Focused Mission
Our work has always gone beyond weddings and corporate lunches. We believe in showing up when it counts — whether it’s feeding volunteers during hurricane recovery efforts, donating meals to local schools, or giving back during the holidays.
In the years ahead, we plan to deepen that community connection, finding even more ways to serve with purpose — whether through partnerships, pop-up fundraisers, or chef-led community meals.
🌟 Innovation Meets Tradition
As trends evolve and clients look for more immersive, interactive, and health-conscious catering experiences, we’re continuing to innovate — without losing sight of what makes us who we are.
Expect to see:
✨ New twists on our most popular menus
🧁 Themed dessert stations and grazing table upgrades
🌱 More sustainable sourcing and seasonal offerings
👩🍳 Interactive chef experiences and curated tasting menus
Through it all, we’ll remain rooted in the values that brought us here: fresh, flavorful food made with care — and served with heart.
Fifteen years. That number represents more than just time — it stands for the trust of our clients, the dedication of our team, and the spirit of a community that’s supported us since day one.
To every couple who trusted us with their wedding day, to every family who called us during life’s most meaningful milestones, to every corporate client who came back year after year — thank you. You’ve helped us grow, challenged us to get better, and reminded us why we love what we do.
To our team — past and present — you are the reason we’re here. Your passion, precision, creativity, and heart have built a reputation that means something. And to our extended foodie family, including our Florida Chefs Workshop clients and collaborators, we’re honored to share the kitchen — and the journey — with you.
💛 From The Fresh Exchange to A Fresh Connection Catering, this 15-year anniversary is a milestone we’re proud to share — and we’re just getting started.
💬 Let’s Stay Connected — Here’s How You Can Celebrate With Us:
✅ Book your next event with Tampa Bay’s premier full-service catering team
✅ Request a free quote at www.afreshconnection.com or call us at 727-308-1256
✅ Follow us on social media
📍 Facebook: www.facebook.com/afreshconnection
📍 Instagram: www.instagram.com/afreshconnection
✅ Leave us a review on Google: Click here to share your experience
✅ Tell a friend who’s planning something special — we’d love to help
From all of us at A Fresh Connection Catering, thank you for 15 incredible years of flavor, family, and fresh ideas. Here’s to the next chapter — we can’t wait to celebrate with you. 🥂
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