Planning perspective
What to consider before reaching out
A strong first conversation is about fit, not just availability. Share your date, approximate guest count, location, and the feeling you want the day to have. Ask what is included, what typically changes the final quote, and what decisions need to be made earliest.
For a catering partner, confirm how communication works, who will be present on the day, and how the team handles changes. Pricing was not included in the supplied research, so request a current, itemized proposal directly from the business.
Why this business stood out
The verified notes
- Mark and Margaret build fully custom menus per couple
- Tasting experience described as personal, not transactional
- Skilled at accommodating multiple food sensitivities in one menu
In their clients’ words
What people say on Google
Kat Fischer
a year ago
11/10 recommend! We couldn't have been happier with Haystack as our wedding caterer. From start to finish, Mark and Margaret were absolutely fantastic to work with—highly communicative, attentive, and truly dedicated to bringing our vision to life (plus, many recommendations from years of experience!). The tasting experience itself was so unique and memorable; it felt like having dinner at home with long-time friends, which made the planning process all the more special. On the big day, the food was phenomenal—every dish arrived hot, beautifully plated, and absolutely delicious. Their staff was equally wonderful, providing warm, responsive service that kept everything flowing smoothly. Wit...
Marti Fischer
2 years ago
Weddings, even the simplest ones, involve a lot of details. However, above all other details, three areas emerge as the most important- the ones that can make or break the event. 1. The Bride’s Dress 2. The Music 3. The Food On June 8th, Mark and Margaret McChesney, the owners of Haystack Catering, catered our daughter’s wedding at the Inn at Manchester in Vermont. On a scale of 1 to 10, they were a solid 10 in every area that matters. From the initial tasting meeting six months before the wedding to the cutting of Margaret’s AMAZING and beautiful wedding cake, Haystack’s performance reflects Mark and Margaret’s lifelong commitment to producing great food and a stress-free event. When you...
Chelsea Gratz
a year ago
I cannot speak more highly of Mark and Margaret and the Haystack Catering team! They were absolutely fantastic and it was lovely to even get to know them well throughout the wedding planning process. They are so kind and down to earth and yet they have a fantastic resume & their food is incredible! We had so much fun coming up with ideas together, doing our tasting, and celebrating with them and their delicious creations on our big wedding day. They truly went out of their way to make our day special - especially because they were more than happy to try new recipes (Armenian recipes to represent my family at our wedding) and work with us to make everything just perfect. They know what they a...
T L
a year ago
We had such an amazing experiencing working with Haystack for our wedding. The owners/chefs behind it all are genuinely good and down to earth people who just happen to make some of the best food I've ever tasted. They curated a menu just for us, and even went above and beyond to help navigate my food sensitives. Margaret ended up making truly the best corn bread I ever had which I imagine was a challenge given the sensitives she had to work around. None of the guests even knew it didn't have dairy or gluten. On top of it all they also blew us away with their cocktails (mojitos and margartias) and dessert (cider donut w/ maple ice cream, enough said). We still think about the food and drinks...
Nancy Ess
a year ago
If you are looking for a caterer who offers superior service and exceptional food, you have found your team! Mark and Margaret have creative menus and ideas with a passion and team to really elevate your event. They can do casual to formal events and I would recommend them for any and all.
Reviews from Google. Read all of them on Google.
Good to know
When they are open
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Getting here
How far is this from home?
Pick the city you and most of your guests will be driving from and we will estimate the trip.
An estimate for planning, not live traffic. Leafy weekends in October always take longer.
For your guests
Lovely places to stay nearby
Mountain Top Inn, Chittenden
Ridge-top lodge and cabins with long mountain views.
Killington Grand Resort Hotel
Plenty of rooms and suites at the base of the mountain.
The Inn at Long Trail, Killington
Cozy, old-school lodge for hiking guests.
Three stops worth the detour
Somewhere pretty for photographs, and somewhere warm for a good cup of coffee.
Thundering Brook Falls boardwalk
An easy walk to a tall waterfall, good for all ages.
Kent Pond, Killington
Still water and mountain reflections early in the morning.
Liquid Art Coffeehouse, Killington
Coffee, light food, and local art on the access road.
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Editorial note: this profile is based only on the vendor research supplied to New England Celebrations. It is not a paid endorsement, interview, or first-person testimonial. Pricing and availability are on request.