Our Story
Karen Sheldon Catering has over 30 years business experience in the Northern Territory and beyond. The principles have all had hands on experience in many types of hospitality, retail and service businesses, both as employees, as owners and as developers and entrepreneurs.
From humble beginnings in the centre of Australia, the Dolly Pot Inn Restaurant and Squash Centre was established back in the 1980’s by founder Karen Sheldon. The restaurant was famous for amazing fresh food, served with panache in the middle of the desert, even before this mix became fashionable! Then the hub of Tennant Creek, the business went on to win many awards including Gold Plate and Brolga Awards. Karen then moved “Up the Track” to establish a sister restaurant in Darwin also called the “Dolly Pot Inn”. An upstairs Function Room saw a growth in this area of business to complement the downstairs restaurant.
Airline Catering was a later business initiative in the late 90s followed by the sale of the restaurants, a site move to the Kantillas Function Centre at the AFL stadium, now called TIO Stadium, and a new focus on catering and events.
In 2006 Karen took on three business partners to further develop the growing catering business; Jules Calvert – Head Chef, Amanda Swift – Functions Manager, and Sarah Hickey – Business Development Manager. These amazing young people were all former long term staffers, who had demonstrated their dedication and passion for the Industry. Karens Kitchen was a café brand developed with the motto “Fresh Food for Busy People” and these small cafes popped up in unusual locations, including hardware megastores and even Parliament House in Darwin!
Over the years a strong and recognizable brand has been developed which represents personalised service and fresh wholesome food bursting with flavor.
Karen Sheldon Catering specialises in Function Catering and Event Management, from weddings and birthday parties to office catering. The team has also dedicated itself to successfully co-ordinating hospitality services for many major annual events such as the V8 Supercars, Australian Superbikes, International Cricket, the Kimberly Moon Experience Concert Dinner and many major AFL games.
Meet the Team
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Major event catering ranges from 500+ guests dining under the stars at the Hall of Fame Award Winning annual Kimberley Moon Experience Concert to 3000+ guests at the annual V8 Supercars in Darwin. Other events include, weddings, birthday parties, office catering, yacht charters, Gala Balls, sporting events, trade expo’s and much more.
A little bit of our history
