We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Haley Ritter. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Haley below.

Alright, Haley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?

From Humble Beginnings to High-End Events: The Evolution of Top Shelf Cuisine & Cocktails

When I started my catering business eight years ago, I was driven by passion, not luxury. I loved crafting unforgettable moments with great cuisine and cocktail. But in the early days, my focus was on simply keeping the business running—learning the ins and outs of operations, refining my craft, and figuring out how to stand out in a crowded market. What many don’t realize is that growth isn’t just about doing more; it’s about doing better, smarter, and more intentionally.

Over the years, I built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality events, but I reached a turning point where I realized that if I wanted to grow beyond where I was, I needed to elevate my brand. The market I was serving wasn’t aligned with the level of excellence I wanted to be known for. That’s when I made a bold decision—I needed a brand refresh that truly reflected the luxury, exclusivity, and high standards that had always been at the core of my work.

Scaling with Intention

Rebranding to Top Shelf Cuisine & Cocktails wasn’t just about changing the name—it was about leveling up everything. I really took the time to understand what my ideal clients wanted. It wasn’t just great food; they were looking for a full experience—top-notch service, attention to detail, and an effortless sense of luxury. So, I started upgrading everything: higher-quality ingredients, better presentation, and a more polished event experience. I also adjusted my pricing and offerings to make sure every event felt exclusive and one-of-a-kind.

Scaling isn’t just about growing bigger; it’s about growing better. I made strategic hires, ensuring that my team embodied the level of professionalism and excellence I expected. I streamlined our processes to create a seamless, high-touch client experience. I also leaned into collaborations with vendors who shared the same high standards, ensuring that every element of an event—from the cocktails to the service—matched the elevated vision of Top Shelf Cuisine & Cocktails.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through this transformation is that success isn’t just about working harder; it’s about working with purpose. It’s about having the courage to evolve, even when it’s uncomfortable. Today, I’m proud to say that our brand refresh wasn’t just a cosmetic change—it was a defining moment that positioned us exactly where we were meant to be: at the top of the luxury catering industry.

The journey is far from over, but every event we execute, every detail we perfect, and every client we wow reminds me that taking the leap was worth it. Scaling up isn’t easy, but when you stay true to your vision and commit to excellence, the results speak for themselves.

Haley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Haley Ritter, the founder and owner of Top Shelf Cuisine & Cocktails, a luxury catering company dedicated to crafting unforgettable culinary and cocktail experiences. My journey into the hospitality industry started with a simple yet powerful belief: every guest should feel like a VIP. Whether I was hosting friends at home or serving in a millionaire’s estate, my goal has always been to create an atmosphere where people feel special, cared for, and completely immersed in an exceptional experience.

How I Got Into the Industry

Like many in the hospitality world, I started at the ground level—waiting tables and making cocktails. But even then, I knew I wanted more. I wasn’t just interested in serving food; I wanted to create moments. Over time, my passion evolved, and I aligned myself with a talented team, including an incredible chef, to bring my vision of elevated, luxury hospitality to life.

I built my business step by step, learning everything I could about high-end service, fine dining, and event execution. What started as a small catering operation has now transformed into a premier service for clients who expect the very best.

What We Do

At Top Shelf Cuisine & Cocktails, we specialize in high-end catering and luxury cocktail experiences. We don’t just serve food and drinks—we curate unforgettable events with impeccable service, stunning presentation, and a seamless flow from start to finish. Our services include:
• Custom chef-driven menus tailored to each event, using high-quality ingredients and bold flavors
• Handcrafted cocktails and bar service, designed to complement the theme and style of the occasion
• Luxury hospitality execution, ensuring every detail is polished and every guest is treated with VIP service

What Problems We Solve

Planning an event—especially a luxury event—can be overwhelming. Our clients want to host unforgettable gatherings without the stress of coordinating catering, drinks, and service. That’s where we come in.

We handle everything with precision and expertise, so our clients can relax and enjoy their event knowing that every detail is taken care of. Whether it’s a private dinner party, a high-profile wedding, or a corporate affair, we create elevated, effortless experiences that leave a lasting impression.

What Sets Us Apart

Luxury catering is about more than just serving great food—it’s about the full experience. What sets Top Shelf Cuisine & Cocktails apart is our commitment to excellence, exclusivity, and a personal touch.
• VIP Experience: No matter the size of the event, we ensure that every guest feels important and taken care of.
• Attention to Detail: From the way a cocktail is garnished to the timing of each course, we refine every aspect to perfection.
• Luxury Hospitality Mindset: We go beyond food and drinks—we create an atmosphere of elegance, ease, and indulgence.

What I’m Most Proud Of

I’m incredibly proud of how far my business has come, especially with our recent brand transformation. Top Shelf Cuisine & Cocktails isn’t just a name change—it represents the high standards, sophistication, and exclusive experiences we now deliver. Seeing our clients light up when they experience the level of service we provide makes every challenge along the way worth it.

What I Want People to Know

If you’re looking for more than just catering—if you want a luxury experience that is completely tailored to you—Top Shelf Cuisine & Cocktails is for you. We take pride in making sure your event is effortless, elevated, and unforgettable.

This business was built on passion, hard work, and a deep love for hospitality. And while we’ve grown and evolved, one thing has never changed: our dedication to making every event top shelf.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

At Top Shelf Cuisine & Cocktails, we’ve built our reputation by always going the extra two miles—no shortcuts, no excuses. Every team member knows that our job isn’t just about serving great food and drinks; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience. We anticipate needs before they even come up, handle every detail with care, and make sure every guest feels like a VIP. Whether it’s a last-minute menu tweak, a special request, or just making sure everything runs seamlessly, we go all in. That dedication to going above and beyond is what keeps our clients coming back and raving about what we do.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Chef Chelsea and I met back in 2017, and from day one, we clicked. We both had a passion for great food and cocktails, and over the years, we kept pushing each other to create, refine, and elevate everything we did. What started as small-scale catering quickly grew, and before we knew it, we had outgrown our space.

Moving into a bigger commercial kitchen was a game-changer. It gave us the freedom to expand, experiment, and perfect our craft. But as we grew, we realized it was time for something bigger—something that truly reflected our level of skill and dedication. That’s when we knew it was time to pivot to luxury catering.

Now, with Top Shelf Cuisine & Cocktails, we’re bringing high-end, unforgettable dining experiences to our clients. It’s been a long journey, but every step has led us to where we are now—creating elevated, top-tier events that showcase the best of what we do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.topshelfokc.com
• Instagram: TopShelfOkc_
• Facebook: TopShelfOkc

Image Credits

Photos by Keshia – Keshia Kastl