ORANGE PARK — There is no typical experience for the vivacious team at Anthony's Gourmet Catering. 

Their mornings could begin as early as 3 a.m., prepping for dinners boasting hundreds and fulfilling orders for up to six weddings a week.

They could serve the President of the United States and elected officials on Tuesday and Wynonna Judd on Wednesday. And, in the next breath, their conversations could revolve around quality mashed potatoes and how cheesy the macaroni and cheese is. 

But you can bet, with each changing day that goes by, the overall mission to provide the tastiest food for their clients remains the same.

For 30 years, Anthony's has been North Florida's Premier Off-Premises Caterer. What started as a bartending company in the mid 1980s, has since evolved into an all-in-one family business that co-owners Kim-Flowers Stoddard and Mark Anthony Stoddard said continues to serve the community with passion and purpose. 

"I think that's what's pulled us through for the 30 years. We've said this since day one, but it's the attention to detail. It really is," Kim said.

If you've been to some of Clay County's, highly anticipated events like the annual Legislative Wrap Up or the Military Appreciation Luncheon, you've probably already tried the company's flavorful cuisine without even knowing.

Each fresh dish has been prepared by Chef Eric Bick for the last 26 years, who's responsible for crafting an impeccable down-home taste that has also become an unforgettable staple for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, brunches and even baby showers.

"We do a lot of really good-tasting fresh, local foods," Kim said. "All of his products that he brings in are top quality."

With favorites like Baked Crabmeat Souffle', Spanakopita, Shrimp and Grits, Chicken Marsala, Cornbread Souffle,' Beef Stroganoff or Grilled Filet Mignon, the menu is ever evolving to create an unforgettable flavor for clientele.

Each menu is personalized for each event. And if you have grandma's favorite recipe, they will do their best to recreate. 

"Sometimes they expect to come in and get menu A, B or C, and it's really not the way we do," Kim added. "We want to find out what you like or what your family normally eats. We personalize every menu."

"We really care," Mark added. 

Toting a mobile kitchen to every event, dishes are made to order on site, Kim said, which sets them apart from most.

A part of staying with the current times is food-styling, which has become an important aspect to the Anthony's experience. The food is not only crafted with heart but garnished with joy and decorated with love. 

"We'll customize it to your theme, to whatever it might be," said Anthony's KR Magee, who prides herself in being the company's resident food stylist. "Styling is big. Food styling is what's popular right now, because you eat with your eyes."

Their chicken and waffle recipe was birthed from this — tiny waffle cones stuffed with crispy chicken and martini cups filled to the brim with shrimp and grits. Or even their strolling cannoli's cart built from scratch. 

For three decades, clients have become family. And the community has become a backbone. Being the face behind some of their biggest celebrations, Kim said the satisfaction of positively touching the lives of others is what keeps them going. 

The zeal behind the food bleeds into every experience.  Because that's what it is.

"We want everybody to have a fantastic experience. So, it's not just catering, it's really an experience that we're doing.

Even with remodeling and expansion on the horizon at their Kingsley Avenue location, the team said the road forward will remain the same. Creating mouthwatering dishes and unforgettable experiences sure to bring flavor to the community.