When it comes to crafting exceptional culinary experiences in Santa Barbara, few names stand out like Jamie and Jayson Poe, the wife-and-husband chef team behind Poe & Co. Catering.
With a passion for food and a deep appreciation for their coastal community, they’ve created a catering business that seamlessly blends creativity, quality and a laid-back yet polished aesthetic.
Culinary Love Story
The Poes’ journey into catering was as much a personal evolution as it was a professional one.
With backgrounds in fine dining — Jamie having spent a decade as a personal chef and Jayson honing his skills in prestigious restaurants and hotels — their careers were deeply rooted in the culinary world.
However, when they were expecting their first child, they faced the challenge of balancing their demanding industry with family life.
This led to the birth of Poe & Co. more than six years ago, a business designed not only around the couple’s love of food but also the flexibility that catering provides compared to traditional restaurant work.
Unique Food Culture
Santa Barbara’s coastal charm and vibrant food scene have profoundly influenced Poe & Co.’s approach to catering.
Jamie, whose mother grew up in the area, has fond childhood memories of visiting for long weekends, experiences that now shape the food and hospitality at Poe & Co.
Their catering embodies the spirit of the region — fresh, seasonal and elegant yet relaxed.
Personalized Approach
Poe & Co. has built a reputation for its exceptional event catering, from intimate dinner parties to grand weddings and corporate gatherings.
Their expertise in menu planning is an art form in itself, ensuring that each event receives a customized culinary experience.
Whether serving plated dinners, family-style meals or curated hors d’oeuvres, Jamie and Jayson carefully consider every detail to enhance the event’s overall ambiance.
Signature dishes such as their mini fish tacos, arancini hors d’oeuvres, barbecue-rubbed salmon and mini olive oil cakes with pansies are just a few favorites that have delighted guests time and time again.
One of the most memorable experiences in their career? Catering an event where they watched Shark Tank with Kevin Costner at his Carpinteria home — just another testament to the caliber of clients and events they attract.
To-Go Catering
Recognizing a growing need for high-quality catering without the on-site costs, Poe & Co. introduced its to-go catering service.
From cocktail mixers and cheese platters to artichoke dip and seasonal salads, the Poes provide an array of gourmet options perfect for birthdays, beach picnics, girls’ weekends and holiday gatherings.
Their margarita mixes and mini sandwiches have become particularly popular, making it easy for customers to enjoy a taste of Poe & Co. at home.
Midweek Game Changer
In addition to their event and to-go catering, Poe & Co. offers a Wednesday meal delivery service, providing busy individuals and families with fresh, restaurant-quality meals that are designed to hold and reheat beautifully.
Customers place orders through their online store by Sunday night, choosing from a rotating menu of salads, meat and fish entrées, and decadent sweets like housemade dingos and dark chocolate chip cookies.
While they don’t offer customizations, they always include vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, using organic and local ingredients whenever possible.
Thoughtful, Seasonal Cooking
At the heart of Poe & Co. is a commitment to crafting meals that are simple, approachable and thoughtfully produced.
Jamie and Jayson’s passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients is evident in every dish, and they work with local purveyors such as Tutti Frutti Farms in the Lompoc Valley for tomatoes and Gaia Farm in Refugio Canyon on the Gaviota coast for heritage turkeys.
While they love all the dishes on their menu, their salads hold a special place in their hearts — they enjoy them daily as part of their staff meals.
Looking to the Future
Never ones to settle, Jamie and Jayson continue to evolve their business. They have recently expanded into a second venture, Poe & Co. Folk Foods, which offers vegan dried camping meals.
Locals can pick them up directly from their kitchen, or they can be found in select specialty retailers. Their commitment to innovation ensures that their offerings remain fresh and exciting for their loyal customer base.
Stay Connected
For those eager to experience the magic of Poe & Co., the website is the best place to browse menus and place orders.
Through Poe & Co., Jamie and Jayson have created more than just a catering business,they’ve built a community centered around thoughtful, high-quality food that brings people together.
Whether it’s an elegant wedding, a casual beach picnic or a convenient midweek meal, their passion for hospitality shines through in every bite.
