Photo: The Caterers
Kitchen turns out great food and deep culture in Hopkins.
If you’ve ever met someone who is doing what they’re truly meant to be doing in life, you know it right away. You can listen to them talk about what they do for hours. And you find yourself wishing you could do what they do—or at the very least, hire them to do what they do so well.
That’s what you’ll find when you meet chef Ali Teymouri. And, if you’re a foodie, you’ll definitely find yourself wanting to experience his cuisine as soon as possible.
After years as a trained machinist, bartender, night club owner, and rental property owner, Teymouri established a catering company specializing in convenience and became a private chef for athletes and individuals—many of whom have become long-time private clients. Next, it was time for something bigger.
In February last year, Teymouri (and partners) proudly opened The Caterers’ brick and mortar location in downtown Hopkins, where clients can visit to get a sense of what the team offers and participate in tastings. The Caterers is a family business created by Teymouri and his wife, Tessa, and family members and business partners Mohsen and Barbara Zadeh.
They purchased the former Kentucky Fried Chicken building located on the west end of Main Street in Hopkins and turned it into a beautifully renovated commercial kitchen and catering facility. It’s also a lovely event venue that seats up to 25, and a part-time restaurant featuring colorful and inventive four course prix fixe dinners—as well as seasonal tapas and a full-service bar—on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Choosing Hopkins for their location was “a no-brainer,” says Teymouri. “The sense of community here is so strong… People are so supportive, and it’s growing more and more… We love it!”
The prix fixe dinners offered by The Caterers feature the freshest and most seasonally appropriate fare. Wine and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are paired with the cuisine. Their prix fixe dinner events are themed—like their New Year’s Eve dinners, their Spring Dinner last April, the Chef’s Burger Dinner last June, and a Summer Kabob Dinner last August. They also enjoy sharing cultural cuisines through events such as their Persian Experience dinner series last fall. Peruse their social media feeds to see what’s coming up.
When asked about his personal favorite foods, Teymouri’s response is, “Many!” But the ones that really resonate with him involve fresh fish and seafood, and dishes that remind him of those he helped his mother prepare for large family gatherings. “She worked many long hours” as a nurse, Teymouri says, “so I would wash rice and prep ingredients to help her.” That’s where his life-long love of good food began.
While many of the dishes prepared by The Caterers have a definite Mediterranean flare, they don’t define their menus or options by any singular notion. “My favorite foods to prepare are those my clients love most,” says Teymouri. “Every menu is created specifically for them, for their guests and their event, and according to their style and specifications.” And when it comes to preparing his clients’ favorite foods, Teymouri creates individual menus based on their favorite recipes, dietary needs, and the overall feeling they want their gathering to have.
“We most enjoy catering for people who truly love and appreciate good food, and who want to provide only the best for their family and friends,” says Teymouri.
In addition to sourcing seasonal foods, they also source as locally as possible. Supporting neighboring businesses and local purveyors is a priority, as is making sure there is little or no waste in the kitchen.
There are no shortcuts here. Everything is prepared thoughtfully and intentionally, and—literally—made with love. “Food should be fulfilling, but not too filling,” says Teymouri. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, greens and herbs, and only the finest spices are incorporated into dishes. Presentations are vibrant, colorful and fragrant. Even the simplest dishes are given small twists to offer the most enjoyable experience.
When it comes to catering, they do things on all scales. The Caterers is on the list of preferred vendors with many of the Twin Cities’ top venues. They’ve earned a very loyal following over the years, and maintaining relationships with trusted business partners and valued clients is very important to them.
The Caterers cater to all, from corporate events of all kinds, to both elaborate and intimate weddings, sports and charity events, anniversaries, private in-home parties, and holiday celebrations. They even offer their restaurant space and in-house catering and bar services for intimate gatherings such as bridal and baby showers, and group meetings.
The key theme that you’ll find with The Caterers is their attention to detail. From planning the schedule to coordinating their services and creating absolutely beautiful displays—they take care of it all. And if your event requires full bar services, they’ve got that covered, too.
Interested in seeing what’s coming up with The Caterers? Definitely sign up for their mailing list on their website so you don’t miss out on their in-house events. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for event tips and prix fixe dinner announcements, and to see what they’re cooking each day. If you enjoy creative cuisine, you’ll definitely enjoy seeing the beautiful dishes and event spreads that they put together. They even share tried and true tips and inspiration for creating your own “pretty plates” at home.
The Caterers
1728 Mainstreet, Hopkins
612.545.5016
Facebook: The Caterers – Hopkins, Minnesota
Instagram: @thecaterersmn
