Today we’d like to introduce you to Fernando Oberlin
Hi Fernando, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Our story began with my parents, who founded Oberlin Catering back in 1988. They ran it together until 2001, and after they went their separate ways, I found myself drawn to the hospitality world, working in various restaurants as both a server and in the kitchen. After finishing high school in Miami, I headed to Mexico, planning to study international relations at university. But somewhere along the way, I was pulled back to what I had known and loved growing up—cooking. I ended up pursuing my culinary passion, graduated in 2010, and returned to Miami.
For a while, I was between jobs, but in 2019, I decided it was time to bring Oberlin Catering back to life here in Miami. I started small, hosting intimate private dinners where I often lost more than I made. But slowly, things started to fall into place as I remained consistent, passionate, and persistent. With time, I attracted better clients and larger events, and I’m grateful to see Oberlin Catering grow stronger every year.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey wasn’t easy by any means. For a long time, I was a one-man show, handling everything from cooking to planning and setting up events. Funding was tight, and I often worked out of a small garage, using whatever equipment I could get my hands on—far from ideal for catering. But I made it work, sometimes improvising and getting creative to meet client expectations. Building a reliable team was another challenge. It took time to find people who shared my vision and passion for quality, but slowly, piece by piece, Oberlin Catering began to take shape. These challenges tested my resilience, but they also laid a strong foundation for what the company is today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Oberlin Catering. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Oberlin Catering is a luxury catering service known for delivering exceptional, tailored experiences that go beyond the standard event fare. We specialize in creating beautifully curated menus, whether it’s a sophisticated plated dinner, an elegant tapas-style spread, or a lively array of food stations. Our offerings are diverse, spanning from global cuisine to traditional Mexican fare through our sister brand, Hoja Santa.
What sets us apart is our dedication to creating memorable dining experiences. We bring a personal touch to every event, working closely with clients to bring their vision to life. Our commitment to quality, freshness, and creativity has helped us build lasting relationships with our clients and a strong reputation within the Miami catering scene.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of our resilience and the journey that got us here. From humble beginnings to establishing a brand that’s recognized for its passion and consistency, Oberlin Catering is a reflection of our hard work, dedication, and love for food. Our goal is to ensure each event feels unique, leaving guests with an unforgettable experience and clients with peace of mind.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Working with Oberlin Catering is as easy as reaching out to discuss your vision—we love collaborating with clients to craft unique experiences that truly reflect their needs. For event planners, venues, and anyone in the industry, we offer flexible partnership options and incentives, as well as tastings to help you experience our food and style firsthand. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a large celebration, or a corporate event, we bring a personalized approach to every collaboration.
If you’d like to support us, we welcome referrals and partnerships and are always open to exploring creative collaborations. You can reach out directly, and we’ll be thrilled to start a conversation on how we can work together to create something memorable!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.oberlincatering.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oberlincatering/
