Small Potatoes Catering & Events is a full service catering and event company with an extensive background in both Event Production & Design, specializing in San Francisco cuisine. SPC&E was founded in 1995 by husband & wife team Michael & Elaine Jennings. Their culinary training and corporate event planning backgrounds are fused with their personal philosophy of gracious entertainment.
Our management philosophy is expressed in our Core Values:
- Fresh, Whole, Sustainable Ingredients
- Mutual Respect and Kindness Among Staff, Vendors, Clients and Guests
- Tasteful, Inventive & Surprising Presentation
- Enlightened, Progressive Corporate Citizenship
Michael Jennings, Owner
Michael Jennings has worked in the food industry since the age of 12. A career based on classic on-the-job training resulted in numerous Sous Chef and Executive Chef positions in some of Northern California’s most adventurous restaurants. His innovative approach to food is at the heart of Small Potatoes Catering & Events. Michael continues to evolve and develop unique menus and oversees the culinary operations.
Elaine Jennings, Owner
Elaine Jennings was Founder & President of Concentric Productions, Inc. for 12 years prior to launching Small Potatoes Catering & Events. Her extensive meeting, conference & event production expertise has equipped her with a skillful eye for design, form and function.
Elaine directs SPC&E’s thriving Event Department. She has earned a reputation creating memorable, high profile, influential galas & themed events for both private and corporate clients. Elaine’s presentation & event production skills blend seamlessly with SPC&E’s cuisine.
Chef Jayes, Executive Chef
Chef Jayes’ food is a culmination of her lifelong passion. After following extensive stints at Santa Fe’s premier fine-dining restaurants and caterers, she was selected to serve as instructor of Culinary Arts and Educational Specialist for the USDA Student Nutrition Bureau.
While there she conducted workshops at regional and state school nutrition conferences and collaborated with the Santa Fe Public and Indian Schools to conduct regular cooking classes for culinary staff. Her approach includes meticulous sourcing for local, organic product, and a detailed, scrupulous technique that allows the ingredients to “tell their story”.
Sharon Saunders, Pastry Chef
Sharon began her career in New York City with the renowned Larry Fogione at An American Place. Continuing her study of pastry under the city’s top practitioners, she culminated the East Coast phase of her career with a stint at the legendary Le Cirque.
Relocating to the Bay Area in the early 90’s, her reputation and passion caught the eye of Alice Waters at Chez Panisse. From there she was tagged as the original Executive Pastry Chef of SF’s Restaurant Lulu. She is devoted to fresh, seasonal, quality ingredients, and informs each of her creations with her style, warmth and diligence.
Vanessa Lee, Event Coordinator
Vanessa Lee joined SPC&E after extensive experience as Special Events Manager for some of San Francisco’s top restaurants. A graduate of the California Culinary Academy, Vanessa is also an avid cook and baker. She loves to explore San Francisco, particularly the city’s newest restaurants. Vanessa’s enthusiasm for event design and productions will ensure that your event is flawlessly executed.
Natalie Holland, Sales Manager
Natalie Holland began her career in the New York event scene working for prominent venues and restaurant groups. Following a four-year stint in New York and Berlin, Natalie decided to return to her native San Francisco and joined the SPC&E team. She is excited to be back in the city by the Bay and enjoys immersing herself in all it has to offer. Natalie’s passion, enthusiasm and expertise make every event unique.
Liz Savage, Wedding Coordinator
A former medical journalist, Liz Savage left her writing desk to pursue her dream job in wedding and event planning. After working with several San Francisco wedding planners, Liz joined Small Potatoes Catering & Events in 2009 as Wedding Specialist. She brings to the team her passion for event design and a keen eye for detail.
As SPC&E’s in-house wedding coordinator, Liz assists in planning your special day—from venue & menu selection, rental requirements & color palate, through ceremony & reception coordination. Liz enjoys seeing to every detail while you and your guests relax and enjoy the day.
