Name: Eric Renstrom
Facebook: @FatFreddysCatering
Instagram: @fatfreddyscatering
Website: www.fatfreddyscatering.com
Age: 57
Title: Owner/Operator
Married/Single: Single
Kids: 2 Boys
City you live in: Glendale, AZ
A typical day in my life includes… it’s hard to make long-term personal plans in the life of a caterer due to the short notice of bookings. Everything is very fluid. A typical day varies between running events, making a schedule and ordering products, meeting with the sales and marketing team, and paying bills. That is the one thing that always remains constant… paying bills.
I was born… in March 1966 in Omaha, Nebraska. I was there, but I don’t remember much.
My favorite thing about Arizona… The weather, being in the desert, and the people.
I’m listening to… a wide variety of music including country and podcasts.
My family… is the most important thing to me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their love and support.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… John Wayne or Hugh Hefner
One thing I cannot live without… Caffeine
When I was younger, I wanted to be… A fireman. I still have a picture of a drawing I made in kindergarten extinguishing fires at the school.
I’m inspired by… teamwork and hardworking people coming together to accomplish a specific task.
The person/people who motivate(s) me is/are… My mother and father. Also, any people who smile and inject positivity into a situation.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… Oh, where to start? First, rid the world of cancer. My father has it, and it has been a battle for the last two years. Also, I would make it so all pets would have happy homes.
The perfect day would be… 72 degrees, a day off for all employees, and oddly enough, some free time where I can catch up with personal chores at my own house.
My first job was… a steward at the Phoenix Convention Center and a dishwasher at a local restaurant. I had two jobs at 15 years old, which is also when I bought my first car, a 1965 Ford Mustang. I had a year to get it all fixed up, which required the two jobs.
My favorite escape… Spending time at my family cabin in Flagstaff or taking side-by-side rides in the desert or at the Glamis Sand Dunes.
My life… is full with work, family, and a few activities I love. It was a long road getting here, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
I’m currently working on… some renovations in our corporate kitchen, including an additional 12-foot hot line to streamline efficiency and a fully loaded break room for our hardworking employees.
Always… wash your hands. Also, be positive.
Never… do drugs. I’ve been clean and sober for 15 years.
Favorite Quote… Work hard, play hard. I live by this rule.
Biggest Dream… Is to have a ranch with 50 dogs where I don’t have to pick up after them (if you know what I mean).
My Pet Peeve(s)… drama and negativity. There is no room in life for it, I mean really, what’s the point?
Bio-on yourself/company: Eric Renstrom is the co-owner of Fat Freddy’s Catering, along with his father, Fred Renstrom (the namesake of “Fat Freddy’s”). 2023 marks the 30th year of operations for Fat Freddy’s Catering, which is one of the leading catering companies servicing the Greater Phoenix area.
Fat Freddy’s Catering is known for its delicious food, exceptional service, and commitment to excellence. The company offers a wide range of catering services for all occasions, including weddings, corporate events, and private parties.
Eric has decades of experience in the hospitality industry, where he worked in banquet and food services for many of the Valley’s top hotel chains and resorts. But he always knew that he had the entrepreneurial itch to own his own business. So in 1993, Eric and his father started Fat Freddy’s Catering.
As a family-owned and operated business, Fat Freddy’s Catering strongly believes in giving back to the local community. To celebrate the company’s three decades in business, Fat Freddy’s Catering recently announced that it will be donating $30,000 worth of catering services to local nonprofit organizations that are positively impacting those in need throughout metro-Phoenix.
