For more than 20 years, Caribbean Caterers has delighted the DMV region with exquisite island-inspired cuisine, combining bold Caribbean flavors with a refined dining experience. 

A Culinary Journey Rooted in Culture and Commitment

Gillian de Souza, the founder of Caribbean Caterers, didn’t start her career in the United States. In fact, her business acumen was first cultivated in Trinidad and Tobago, where she opened a fine-dining vegetarian restaurant in the 1980s. She had noticed that there were no upscale vegetarian dining options, despite the many vegetarians among her home country’s diverse tapestry of Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.  

“I never questioned whether I could do it or how I was going to do it—I just did it,” Gillian recalls. Before she knew it, her restaurant had three locations.

Gillian recalls those days: “Back then, eating in restaurants wasn't an everyday thing. You cooked at home, you ate at home. So when we opened it was fine dining: people came for special occasions. They came during religious holidays when they had to be vegetarian, and it made it easy for them to feed their family and not have to cook every day. So that went famously well. But then, I had the opportunity to migrate to the United States.”

From Fine Dining to Full-Service Catering

When Gillian got to the DMV area, she initially stepped away from the food industry. “I looked at the restaurant scene in DC., and  I said, ‘This is nothing like home.’ The weather was a huge deterrent. And so I did what most people do. I got a job.

However, fate had other plans. While attending an event, she ran into a former customer—an ambassador from her country—who remembered her restaurants and invited her to prepare meals for his private diplomatic gatherings. Word spread quickly, and soon she found herself catering for other ambassadors and foreign ministers in their homes.

As demand grew, she had to decide whether to fully commit to the business. “I was working a full-time job, but catering kept pulling me back in. Eventually, I made the leap.” In 2001, Caribbean Caterers was officially launched as a full-time venture.

Business Growth in Montgomery County

Operating a business comes with challenges. For Caribbean Caterers, navigating commercial space in Montgomery County was one of them. Initially, Gillian worked out of a church kitchen – which was necessary to comply with licensing requirements. Her first dedicated space was in an old Econolodge hotel kitchen in Gaithersburg, but after a few years, she faced an unexpected hurdle—the county bought the property for redevelopment.

“They gave me 30 days to vacate,” she recalls. “I remember asking, ‘Are you telling me the county is going to put a local business out of business?’”

Through persistence and self-advocacy, she discovered and took advantage of relocation assistance, which ultimately allowed her to purchase the commercial property that houses Caribbean Caterers today. “What started as a challenge turned into an opportunity. Owning our space was a game-changer.”

Serving the Region’s Most Prestigious Events

Caribbean Caterers has grown into one of the premier full-service catering companies in the area. The company operates out of two locations—its original kitchen and warehouse in North Bethesda, and a sales office that includes an elegant showroom for event planning.

Among the company’s clients are corporate organizations hosting large-scale galas and nonprofit fundraisers. The company has also established itself as a leading name in luxury weddings, offering not just food, but a full event experience with décor, fine dining setups, and seamless service.

“People come to us because they want an elevated dining experience,” says Gillian. “We create events that are as much about the ambiance and hospitality as they are about the cuisine.”

Building a Legacy in the DMV

Gillian runs the business independently, though her children—one a lawyer, the other a businessman—offer their support and insights. While they are not involved in daily operations, she has been intentional about systemizing the company to ensure its longevity.

“The restaurant and catering industry is not for the faint of heart. It requires a deep commitment, not just to your clients but to your craft and the experience you deliver,” she says.

With over 20 years in business, Caribbean Caterers continues to thrive, proving that with passion, persistence, and the right mindset, local businesses can grow and create lasting legacies in their communities.