Family operated.
Minority owned.
Veteran founded.
Strother Enterprises was founded in 1987 as a family-owned and operated catering business. Today, we specialize in food operations and service, with a commitment to solving the unique challenges our clients face.
Our mission is to cultivate meaningful connections through hospitality while delivering inspired food service solutions to clients anywhere.
Our Vision
Over three generations, we’ve learned that meaningful relationships make the difference. From our team to our partners and clients, we recognize relationships built on understanding and trust as the foundation of long-term success.
Our Values
We look to uplift the food service industry through impactful work with team members, clients, and other industry professionals.
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We work to uplift the communities we serve in the food-service space through strong relationships and partnerships while inspiring the next generation of leaders in hospitality.
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The approach we take descends from a family heritage of excellence —with our eye on each detail and a refusal to cut corners. The solutions we provide reflect that, starting with truly listening to your unique objectives and tailoring our approach to meet them.
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Just as three generations of our family have grown in the food service industry, we strive to foster the next generation of leaders in the hospitality space through support, training, and opportunities.
Timeline
As an executive chef and successful businessman, Ernest L. Strother Sr. achieved his vision of serving delicious, traditional Southern comfort cuisine throughout Philadelphia. Along with his brother, Robert H. Strother Sr., U.S. Navy Culinary Specialist, and food service manager, the two exemplified their passion for food service—working well into their 80s, with a commitment to excellence, strong relationships, and respect for others.
These standards became pillars of the family business, passed down to sons Ernest L. Strother Jr. and Robert G. Strother, who firmly established the foundation of Strother Enterprises. To this day, our pursuit of highly skilled, competitive, and socially responsible food and related services continues to drive our solution partnerships.
Strother Food Service Co, a catering company, was founded by twin brothers Ernest L. Strother, Jr. and Robert G. Strother.
1987
Ernest and Robert opened the jazz restaurant and bar, Strother Cafe, on Market Street in Philadelphia.
1989
Strother Enterprises Inc, the parent company of Strother Food Service Co, was formed to manage all ventures under one brand.
1990
Strother Enterprises formed a joint venture with Aramark, to become the exclusive food and beverage provider to the Pennsylvania Convention Center
1992
We continued to expand our services in diverse industries, from sports & entertainment to transportation, healthcare, and government.
1995-2020
We opened new concepts, working with restaurateur Michael Chow for Sang Kee Noodle Bar and Kitchen at Live! Casino and Hotel Philadelphia, and Chef Christopher Nguyen on WinKitchen in PHL Airport.
2021-2022
The Inspiration for Strother Enterprises: Robert G. Strother Sr. & Ernest L. Strother Sr. Circa 1942:
Strother Enterprises founders Robert G. Strother Jr. & Ernest L. Strother Jr.
Strother Enterprises founders Robert G. Strother Jr. & Ernest L. Strother Jr.
As we continue to provide high-quality service to clients, we’re excited about supporting our team members in accelerating their diverse careers, including the next generation of food service entrepreneurs.
Recent Press
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Strother Enterprises Inc Pays Tribute to Third Generation Catering Business With Launch of Legacy Culinary Group
Strother Enterprises Inc., a family-owned and operated food services company, launched a new brand for its catering business.
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Meet the 2.5 Percent: Philly’s Black-Owned Enterprises and Early-Stage Start-Ups
Philly Mag
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Iconic local eateries planning outposts at new Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
Philadelphia Business Journal
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PHL Diversity Podcast
Ernest and Natasha Strother join the PHL Diversity Podcast to share the evolution of leading, minority-owned food service and contracting company Strother Enterprises Inc.