Eat, drink and be local!

farm-to-table ingredients

The Local restaurant began in March 2008 as a venue to showcase the abundant supply of small farmers, local purveyors, artisan cheese makers, breweries, distilleries and award-winning vineyards in the Charlottesville area. We’ve since grown to include a full-service catering company offering the best farm-to-table ingredients, exceptional service and seamless execution. Our sensational menu of locally grown and cultivated products is perfect for your next event in Charlottesville.

The Local’s Story

creative cocktails

Full-Service Catering

Grand or intimate, focused on tradition or leaning toward trendy, your vision along with our capable guidance will reflect your personal style. Our staff is committed to details, offering unique options, bringing creativity and passion to the planning process so that your day is not only elegant and memorable but also fun and seamless. Whether choosing one of the many beautiful venues in the area or having your wedding, bridal shower, business function or rehearsal dinner in one of the private rooms at The Local you can’t go wrong when you stay Local.

full-service catering

Our coordination team boasts 50 years of collective experience, supported by our team of chefs with a combined 30 years of fine dining expertise. Our focus on collaboration, integrity, and innovation ensures a stress-free celebration, creating timeless memories cherished for a lifetime.

Expertise & Experience

Meet the Team

  • Helen Aker, Catering Director

    Helen Aker

    CATERING DIRECTOR

    Helen joined the Local Restaurant and Catering family in 2013, working both in the restaurant and serving as an invaluable team captain on off-site events. Helen's overall enthusiasm makes planning any event stress-free and enjoyable and also makes her a passionate catering director and wedding planner. Helen received her BA in Business and Communication from Lynchburg College.

  • Kelly MCauley, Associate Catering Coordinator

    Kelly McCauley

    ASSOCIATE CATERING DIRECTOR

    Kelly joined the catering team as a Catering and Wedding Coordinator in 2020, bringing extensive event experience. After working as a Wedding Coordinator in Northern Virginia, she spent three years as Event Manager for a non-profit before joining The Local. She holds a BS in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management.

  • Kari Hogan, Lead Catering Chef

    Kari Hogan

    LEAD CATERING CHEF

    Kari's background in the food and beverage industry developed while attending the Culinary Institute of America where she studied wine and business management. Kari joined The Local Catering team in the spring of 2017 and was became our lead chef in 2018 and has been the fire burning our engines since! Kari's creativity and commitment to quality will take your event to the next level.

  • Samantha , Catering Coordinator

    Samantha Clarke

    CATERING COORDINATOR

    Samantha joined our catering team in 2020 and quickly distinguished herself as one of our most reliable members and now oversees events from inception to completion. Her calm demeanor and exceptional customer service skills make her a valuable asset when collaborating with both staff and clients. Samantha takes great pride in ensuring that every event meets and exceeds expectations.

  • Eleanore Lehman, Catering Coordinator

    Eleanore Lehman

    CATERING COORDINATOR

    Eleanore, a Wichita native, joined The Local Catering in 2022, bringing over 15 years of restaurant and catering experience! She excels in planning and executing events, from small gatherings to full-service weddings.

  • Meredith Fowley, Catering Coordinator

    Meredith Fowley

    CATERING COORDINATOR

    Meridyth joined the events team in 2017 and found herself with the management team in 2024! She graduated from Virginia Tech with a BA in Science. Over the years, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill, steadily advancing through various roles.

What People Are Saying

“The Local gave us an incredible experience from start to finish. After having eaten at their restaurant multiple times (including for our first date), my husband & I knew we wanted to have them as our caterer, and they exceeded our expectations.”

— Juliana P.

“Do yourself a favor and book the Local for your wedding. I had multiple people at my wedding come up and tell me it was the best food they had ever had at a wedding. Not to mention their day of planning services made ALL of our dreams come true. Book them now!”

— Mary S.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better catering experience. If you’re looking for a caterer who delivers exquisite food, exceptional service, and a truly memorable dining experience, The Local is the way to go.”

— Sarah T.

“The Local was stellar and I would hire them again and again. We have had countless compliments on the food at our wedding. From booking, to the two tastings we had, countless emails with Kelly and Helen, and finally to wedding day, they were stellar.”

— Zarah A.