Joachim Bummel, when getting ready to retire as club manager of Quail Hollow Country Club, dreamed of working with his family in the catering business. Sadly, Joachim died unexpectedly before he could realize his dream. But Joachim's wife Margarete and daughter Sabina picked up the pieces of the catering business plan and carried out Joachim's dream in his honor.

      The mother-daughter team launched the business in 1992 in a borrowed restaurant kitchen. They have since built a full-service catering kitchen in their home, where the business is truly a family affair. Oldest daughter Alexa has no interest in cooking but will stuff envelopes and help unload the van. Middle daughter Carly is a master of precision and likes to cut tomatoes, scoop muffin batter, and cut out biscuits. Olivia, the "baby," provides quality control - if she asks for seconds when checking out what's cooking, the Bummels know they have prepared a winner. Coming down the home stretch for a big event, it's Sabina's niece who babysits so Margarete and Sabina can focus on all the finishing touches that make the meals they cater so memorable.

      Margarete revels in the textures, aromas, and intricacies of preparing fine cuisine and is satisfied only with food that is a feast for both the palate and the eyes. She is a trained chef and a European pastry chef as well. Her handmade desserts, including wedding cakes, are exquisitely decorated and devilishly delicious.

      Sabina learned her culinary skills from her mom. After exploring other careers, she realized catering "was in her blood" and poured her heart into making The Catering Place one of the premier caterers in the Charlotte market. With chefs in training today at the feet of mother and grandmother Bummel, the family may pass Joachim's dream and the art of fine cuisine down to a third generation as well.