Any event that has food is a good event, but an event with great food is absolutely memorable. For twenty-six years Prairie Pride Catering has been serving delicious meals that have been the delight of their customers’ celebrations. Corporate events, parties and weddings, any event with hungry people, would benefit from having Paul the Pitmaster as their head chef. He began his culinarian career at the age of fourteen and Paul still greets each day the same, “I’m going to make some really cool stuff today!”
Becoming one of the longest running barbeque establishments in Mankato does not happen by chance. On his father’s 40th birthday, he and Paul roasted a pig together using their smoker. Paul’s interest in barbequing grew from that memorable experience and he was quick to pursue it. Soon, Paul and his father competed in a barbeque contest in Kansas City, where they were quite successful. The competitions did not stop in Kansas City as Paul would later place second at a national competition in Indiana. Paul also ranked first in Minnesota for barbeque. Having put his skills to the test in competition, and having a lot of fun cooking, Paul and his father entered into the world of catering. They began advertising in the yellow pages and were called upon by a neighbor to cater a wedding. That was Prairie Pride Catering’s first job.
Paul attended South Central College for restaurant management and spent time working in restaurants to help him improve his business. Prairie Pride Catering has had its share of change over the years but Paul’s love for his job has remained the same, “I’m excited every morning I wake up. I can go and cook food. Make that prime rib or chicken for them and they’re just like ‘wow that is the best thing I’ve ever had.’ That is one-hundred percent worth it for me.” Paul’s catering used to rely on a caravan of vehicles, but being completely self-contained has become a point of pride. Prairie Pride Catering’s truck is a kitchen on wheels that has served Paul and his customers well for twenty years. The only accommodation needed is a place to park it. Serving customers is a practiced skill of Prairie Pride’s, so whether there are fifty people or five hundred, Paul and his crew will have everyone served faster than they can eat. All of Prairie Pride Catering’s ingredients are locally sourced and Paul does all the preparation himself. Every meal is crafted with a lot of love but sometimes things just do not work out in the kitchen. However, that never stopped Paul, as each failure took him a step further to becoming the Pitmaster, “You’ll become a better cook all around if you just keep practicing at it. Especially barbeque.”
Prairie Pride Catering is on course to expand its menu. While creating a new menu does take time, Paul is always open to customer input, “If you call me and you want something, I can make it.” One dish in particular is a ‘vegan barbeque chickpea salad’ that Paul is always excited to hear a customer order. Vegan options, steak and chops are among the menu items Paul will be including in the revamped menu.
With Spring and Summer on the horizon, Prairie Pride Catering will soon be operating at full force. Paul the Pitmaster can be reached through Facebook and on the Prairie Pride Catering website; just type the name into the search bar and they will be right there. They will be offering graduation party packs that customers can pick up for their graduate’s celebration. Paul’s birthday will mark the 26th year of Prairie Pride Caterings operation. Paul has managed his business as he wants and has years of success to show for it. With growth ever on the horizon, and delicious food ready to serve, Prairie Pride Catering will continue to be a part of countless memories.
