Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…
Photography by Scott Foust Studios.
With the approaching holiday season, celebrations and entertaining are top of mind. Which is an opportune time to catch up with one of Scottsdale’s favorite corporate and private catering + event planning companies - and one we keep on speed dial - Benedict’s Catering. Known for a commitment to providing award-winning service, inviting presentations, and detailed event planning, Benedict’s is a tried and true TSG favorite. In fact, we’ve partnered with owner Dawn Kennington-Bejar for TSG events, including our Volume 1 and Volume 2 Launch Parties. And for each, the Benedict’s team exceeded our every expectation.
True creatives, Benedict’s is known for collaborating with the best to create the most delicious culinary, cocktail, and event experience for clients. And whether you’re planning an over-the-top soirée to impress the in-laws for Thanksgiving or simply loathe to cook, Benedict’s is a must-tap. Here, we chat about Thanksgiving plans, building a business in the Valley, and, of course, favorite meals.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Before diving into the delicious, let’s chat business. Specifically, how Benedicts got started…
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: I spent two decades as an executive director in the luxury cosmetics industry, a job that included ample event planning. Yet, even after planning countless events, I never found a caterer that matched the level of service my industry demanded. So I started Benedict’s out of my kitchen in 2003. Developing menus and service staff that clients could rely on helped the business grow. We quickly became the go-to caterer for high-end retail events and luxury weddings. Almost twenty years later, we’re still at it!
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Twenty Years is an incredible milestone. How do you define your success across two decades?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: Twenty years ago, Benedict’s was basically a solo show. Today, we have an amazing, loyal staff, which is a rarity - and gift - in this industry. We also work with some of the same clients I started with in 2003, which is an amazing honor.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next twenty years?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: Full-steam ahead! We look forward to serving many more clients with creative menus and lovely events.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Service is at the heart of Benedict’s ethos. Certainly, it inspired your Volume 2 feature, which echoed the mantra, “At your service.” Can you speak to this client-centricity?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: We love, love our clients. There’s no greater privilege (or indicator of success) than having clients return year after year and refer new friends! We love using our expertise to bring their vision to life, which we often develop together. And we love watching their events unfold in real-time. We relish their joy!
Photography courtesy of Benedict’s.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: As the holiday season approaches, what advice would you give to clients who are planning to host a holiday soirée?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: Whether you’re hosting for 500, 50, or 15: plan ahead and book in advance. We are a one-stop shop and eager to collaborate with you on your holiday affairs, from menu creation to bartending, florals to rentals. Before starting the conversation, we recommend knowing your guest count and any menu considerations. We also encourage clients to have a budget in mind, as it’s our guideline in developing menus and the scope of the event.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: For our readers who don’t relish cooking, we have to ask: will you be offering Thanksgiving catering this year?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: Of course! Benedict’s is here to make Thanksgiving meals simple - right down to the clean-up. Our favorite sides are prepped into a disposable aluminum foil pans for warming and our turkey comes with herb butter, ready to be popped into the oven. In short, all you have to worry about is picking up your order and setting the table!
Photography courtesy of Benedict’s.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: To wrap up, we’d like to turn our conversation back to local. What do you love about living and working in the Valley?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: With amazing weather and landscapes, the Valley is uniquely beautiful. We have a close community of folks who help and support one another.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Can you share a few of your favorite places and experiences around town?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: Our city is filled with amazing, colorful, and energetic people from all over the world who have created fabulous local experiences. From happy hour on the patio at El Chorro to dinner at Tarbell’s, I have so many favorites. But The Gladly, Hidden Track Bottle Shop, and Gallo Blanco definitely top my list.
The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: You mentioned a few restaurants. As a caterer, what is your favorite meal around town?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: Any meal I get to share with my family, friends, and loved ones.
Photography by Scott Foust Studios.
Benedict's is making Thanksgiving simple. All of their delightful sides are prepped and put into aluminum foil pans and only need to be warmed (read: no pots or pans to wash!). Their turkeys are also prepped in a disposable aluminum foil pan, rubbed with herb butter and ready to go straight into the oven. Pick up your fully prepped meal with heating instructions Wednesday, November 23rd from 10AM - 6PM at Benedict's Café, located at 5555 E Bell Rd. #6 Scottsdale, Arizona. Don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!
Photography by Stephanie Studer of Life Created.