Tenure: In 1978, Ian and Diane Trenwith founded Jolly Brothers Catering and started nearly four decades of serving to myriad private and corporate events. Five years ago, Donald Hardin left his job at Idaho Hillcrest Country Club in Boise after 15 years to buy the business from the Trenwiths, to whom he was once related through marriage. “He still loved the business, but he didn’t want to do the business side of stuff,” said Hardin of Ian. “[The country club experience] helped me with running the front of the house a lot, organizing parties.” So Ian and Diane remained as head cook and sous chef, respectively, and together the trio caters events from Los Angeles to Lompoc.
Recent dishes served: For a housewarming party: fajita-style carne asada, peppers, onions, guacamole, vegetables, homemade chips, and brownies; for a birthday party: rosemary chicken, roasted potatoes, cilantro lime shrimp, and angel food cake; and for a veterans group: BBQ ribs and grilled chicken, vegetables, beans, garlic bread, quinoa arugula salad, fruit salad, chocolate chip cookies, and brownies.
Unusual assignments: Most of Hardin’s clientele requests Mexican food and Santa Maria tri-tip, though they do French and Italian frequently and Asian on occasion.