Dallas Catering and Special Events
Dallas Catering and Special Events by Chef Kent Rathbun
I've been catering in Dallas since 1990. Back then I was cooking and running every event myself. Today I lead a full-scale catering and special event company. From backyard parties to ranch weekends to corporate events, we bring the food, the team and the equipment.
The Fleet
We cook and pour on site, right in front of your guests.
The fleet is five trailers. There are three rolling kitchens, HQ, The Transformer and Big Red, plus the White and Black trailers from Double R Mobile Bar. Each one is an add-on for events we cater, and each one comes with our team. We bring them to your home, your ranch or your venue.
HQ
The Rolling Headquarters
HQ was built to be the rolling headquarters for Rathbun's Curbside BBQ. It served the public at Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas, and during COVID at Lovers Seafood and Market and on the Katy Trail. We still take HQ out for public pop-ups. Its main job today is being the centerpiece of our catered events.
- Gas grill and full gas kitchen: barbecue, burgers, tacos or breakfast
- Full coffee bar with espresso, cappuccino and nitro cold brew
- Sound system and three TVs
- Patio setup available, with tables, chairs and linens as rentals
$2,500 per dayFollow HQ pop-ups on Instagram
The Transformer
Rolling Kitchen by Pitmaker
The Transformer is the newest rig in our fleet. It's a full rolling kitchen, custom built by Pitmaker in Humble, Texas.
- The Vault, a vertical smoker
- The Long Rifle Sniper, a horizontal offset smoker
- Wood-burning grill
- Hot running water, cabinetry, lighting and a sound system
$1,500 per day
Big Red
Rolling Kitchen by East Texas Smokers and Grills
Big Red is a full rolling kitchen, custom built by East Texas Smokers and Grills.
- Wood-burning grill
- Offset smoker with an oven section
- Plenty of storage and counter space to prep on
- Hot running water, lighting and a sound system
$1,500 per day
Double R Mobile Bar
Our Family's Mobile Bar Trailers
Double R Mobile Bar is our family's mobile bar company. We have two vintage horse trailers turned into bars, the White Trailer and the Black Trailer. Same setup, same packages. The White Trailer is really great for bridal showers, baby showers, weddings and celebrations like those. The Black Trailer is a great fit for bourbon tastings, beer tastings, cigar parties and similar events, and we can bring it into the mix for other occasions too. Either one pairs great with any event we cater, and TABC-certified bartenders come with it.
- Two vintage horse trailer bars: the White Trailer and the Black Trailer
- Runs on its own battery bank, so no outside power is needed
- Works for about 30 to 200+ guests
- A portable bar cart for indoor venues, tight spaces or a rain plan
- Free delivery, setup and breakdown within 30 miles of Dallas
The Trailer, from $850. You bring the alcohol. Includes the trailer, bartenders, setup, breakdown, ice and cups.
The Whole Rodeo, custom quote. Full service with beverage planning, alcohol, mixers and garnishes.
Book the bar: 972-860-1740 or book@doublermobilebar.com
Signature Display
The Sushi Forest
The Sushi Forest is a display I designed. Sushi and sashimi are set among bonsai trees, beautiful stones and driftwood. It's really stunning, and it's something special we do for our events.
From Our Kitchen
Dallas Catering Menus, Cooked On Site
Client Testimonials
What Our Partners Say
"Anyone who has eaten at a Kent Rathbun restaurant knows he can cook. But working alongside him for years in consulting, concept development, and high-volume events, I've seen the real magic. Kent is a relentless operator. He understands the grind of the kitchen just as well as he understands the art of hospitality. He has a standard of excellence that is absolutely uncompromising. If you want it done right, you want Kent in your corner. He is a true industry leader."
"In my 37 years in this industry, I've worked with countless chefs, but few possess the combination of vision, precision, and genuine hospitality that Chef Kent Rathbun brings to the table. From high-end consulting to concept development and elaborate events, Kent approaches every project with an unmatched level of professionalism.
Whether we are in the trenches opening a new restaurant or collaborating on a complex menu, he is a master of his craft.
He is a chef's chef, and I am honored to call him a partner and a friend."
“When it comes to working on projects and events with Chef Kent I never hesitate. Working with my friend, colleague and culinary muse is always positive. This kinship revolves around our mutual love of sourcing, preparing, cooking, and serving with the payoff being that Kent infuses learnings and lore into every step of this journey.”
How It Works
Dallas Catering From a Chef Who Still Runs the Show
I started catering in Dallas in 1990. Back then I cooked and ran every event myself. When you book Dallas catering with us today, you get my menus and my team.
Today we are a full-scale catering and special event company. We handle backyard parties, ranch weekends, corporate events and all types of social catering, small to large. We bring the food, the team and the equipment.
What sets us apart is where the cooking happens. Our rolling kitchens park at your home, your ranch or your venue, and we cook right in front of your guests. The food comes off the grill or out of the smoker hot, and your guests get to watch it happen.
Plan Your Dallas Catering Event
Fill out the form on this page or call 469-576-6407. Tell us your date, your guest count and what kind of party you want. We will call you back to talk through the menu and the setup.
Want to know more about my background? Read my story, or see our private events. The Transformer was custom built by Pitmaker in Humble, Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Chef Kent Rathbun been catering in Dallas?
Chef Kent Rathbun has been personally catering and running events in Dallas since 1990.
Do you cater events outside of Dallas?
Yes. We travel well beyond Dallas. Events more than 50 miles from Dallas have a fuel and labor surcharge.
Can I rent a rolling kitchen without catering?
No. Our rolling kitchens are add-ons for events we cater, and each one comes with our team.
How much does a rolling kitchen cost?
HQ is $2,500 per day. The Transformer and Big Red are $1,500 per day each.
Do you provide tables, chairs and linens?
Yes. Tables, chairs and linens are available as rentals.
How big of an event can you cater?
We specialize in all types of social catering, small to large.
Plan Your Event
Tell us about your event and we'll call you back.
Event Coordinator
