Peter Callahan almost didn’t become a world-famous caterer. Growing up around successful finance businessmen, he felt as if that was his destiny and attended undergraduate programs for business.
But with every elaborate party Peter designed and catered in college, he learned more about crafting incredible experiences through creativity and food.
It would still take him multiple failed college classes and several more years to finally make the leap from a career as a precious metals bonds trader, but at 26 he left to start his own food business and has never looked back.
In his adult life, Peter embraced his creativity and learned it’s never too late to start doing more of what you love. His famous artisanal miniature bites have become the cornerstone of his culinary brand, but with a mind like Peter’s, there is always more on the horizon.
About Peter:
Peter Callahan is the iconic owner and Creative Director of New York City-based Peter Callahan Catering. Widely credited with having created the mega trend of miniature savory and dessert comfort food hors-d’oeuvres, Peter has been a caterer, food stylist, and culinary innovator for more than twenty-five years.
Seen countless times on the Today Show and Martha Stewart Show, Peter is also a Contributing Editor for Martha Stewart Weddings and is the author of best-selling book, Bite by Bite: 100 Stylish Little Plates You Can Make for Any Party as well as his newest book, Party Food.
Peter has created sensational events for Martha Stewart, Vera Wang, Kate Spade, JP Morgan, Tory Burch, Valentino, Regis and Joy Philbin, Tony Bennett, Kelly Ripa, Google, and Al Gore, among many other clients.
Peter and his wife, fashion designer Josephine Sasso, divide their time between New York City and Nantucket.
Show Highlights:
- How Peter realized he is a creative
- How Peter’s grades struggled in undergrad while his grand parties flourished
- The career Peter took prior to making the leap into the culinary business
- Peter shares stories of his first experience catering for an unsuspecting event
- How Peter managed a business transition from Philadelphia to New York
- What Peter did to obtain steady business catering in NYC
- What inspired Peter to start “shrinking” food, and how he did it
- The importance of finely crafted appetizers in a dining experience
- Insights to help you free yourself up to focus more on your creative work
- Ways to find the best partners for your business
- Why you shouldn’t let fear stand in your way of chasing your business goals
- Peter hints at his hopes for the next exciting steps in his business
Links Mentioned in the Show:
Peter’s Books:
Bite by Bite: 100 Stylish Little Plates You Can Make for Any Party
Party Food: Mini Hors-d’oeuvres, Family-Style Settings, Plated Dishes, Buffet Spreads, Bar Carts
Connect with Peter:
Instagram: @petercallahan or Facebook
