CONTRIBUTED

Elliott's Catering Co., a division of Elliott's on Linden, was recently selected as a preferred caterer for the Cape Fear Botanical Garden in Fayetteville.

The contract signals continued, positive growth for privately held Elliott's on Linden, which opened in 2001 and now employs 80 people.

"We selected Elliott's for their extensive experience in designing imaginative and creative menus that reflect a customer's vision for a special event," said Jennifer Sullivan, executive director of Cape Fear Botanical Garden. "They have extraordinary focus on customer service and impeccable presentation, which means our clients receive a meal that they truly enjoy sharing with their guests."

Cape Fear Botanical Garden and its new 33,000-square-foot Wyatt Visitors Pavilion are among the region's most sought-after locations. The facility hosts at least 120 events annually, including weddings, receptions, corporate meetings and other special events.

"Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a premier destination for a variety of events," said chef Mark Elliott, owner of Elliott's on Linden. "We are pleased to partner with Cape Fear Botanical Garden to promote this unique amenity in our Sandhills region."

Elliott's has a long history of catering to some of the area's largest galas and fundraisers, weddings and private parties, as well as many repeat corporate clients.

"The catering aspect of our business has been growing substantially each year, but with this contract award, our division will experience a significant boost in revenue as well as great referrals for future business," Elliott said. "A motivated, focused and happy team is needed at all levels to deliver our company's mission to continually nourish and enrich the most important person we know - the customer.

"We've built a strong and loyal team who is in tune with our mission. They feel valued and want to go the extra step to do a great job for Cape Fear Botanical Garden."

With the contract award, guests attending weddings and other special events will be able to savor Chef Elliott's award-winning recipes, which are inspired by products from the Carolina countryside and have become his hallmark, a news release said.

In 2011, Elliott's on Linden was awarded first place in the N.C. Best Dish for Fine Dining contest for the eastern region. The competition recognizes restaurants and chefs who use North Carolina produce, meats and dairy products in their menus.

Elliott's on Linden is the flagship restaurant of three dining establishments in Pinehurst and Southern Pines, including The Sly Fox, a gastropub, and Rue 32, which specializes in serving small-plate meals paired with selections of wine.

Rue 32 celebrated its one-year anniversary Monday with a special dinner and celebration.

Elliott's Provision Co. offers a collection of food finds from local farmers, butchers, cheese makers and unique purveyors.

For more information about Elliott's Catering Co., visit www.pinehurstcatering.com or call Morgan Hawk, catering director, at 910-295-3663.