Meet Samantha Smalleyb | Private Chef and Event Caterer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Smalleyb and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I truly believe the success of my business stems for my overwhelming joy of cooking and hospitality. When a client hires me, they are not just looking for food, but an experience. I bring my culinary passion into the menu and my love of hospitality to the table creating a unique dining experience. When I enter into a new relationship with a client, they will right away realize I love what I do and enjoy creating memorable experiences not just a pay check. Through this simple act I have created a network of clients and friends wanting to share there experience with others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Growing up in Steamboat Springs I feel I have a real connection to my community and a passion for the people in it. My business started organically all from friends and family wanting to experience my cooking. I honestly had not even considered a catering company until my community opened up an opportunity for me. It started with trade offs; massage for some meal prep or golf lessons…ext:) Then one day a family friend was having a NYE party and insisted I cater the food. The rest is history. There has been many obstacles and learning curves of owning a business, but though the love and support of my family I am grateful I never gave up.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This completely depends on the season. Come summer time we are checking out bike trails, backpacking the zirkles, or splashing in the river. Once winter begins, its all about shredding the mountain, cuddling up on the couch with a good book and hot tea, or exploring the backcountry, then ending it with a nice soak in the hot springs. This town has endless possibilities for adventure and fun. For food I would start with a breakfast burrito from Drunken Onion and an oat late from Grouse Coffee Shop. Lunch at back door burger and dinner at Laundry. With so much adventuring during the day I like to end it at home cooking with my girlfriend and having friends over.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I 100% would love to dedicate this to my Mom and Dad who have supported me from the beginning starting from Culinary School to watching me make my way up through the restaurant industry and now to creating my own business.

Website: esmalleycatering.com

Instagram: esmalleycatering

Facebook: Samantha Smalley