

Our Story!
Jeremy and I met in 2011 in California. At the time, he was about to retire from the Marine Corps after 20 years of service, and I was working as a Spanish interpreter in the medical field. Our first date was on 11/11/11, and by 6/2/12, we were engaged. We married soon after, on 7/21/12.
Everything happened so quickly, but as the Song of Solomon says, "I have found the one whom my soul loves."
Our wedding was simple and heartfelt, held in my parents’ front yard. My dad and uncle made carnitas, my mom prepared her famous salsas, and I helped make the beans and rice. To this day, our friends and family fondly reminisce about the food—especially the salsas—which have become a favorite topic of conversation.
In 2019, after building a successful food truck business in California, we decided to retire to Arkansas. Little did we know what God had in store for us here. In 2020, we catered a wedding, and the food and experience we created were so unique that word quickly spread. Before long, we started receiving more and more requests to cater other weddings, and this dream began to grow.
At the heart of everything we do is the desire to share great food—memorable food—that connects people and creates lasting memories. Just as our family and friends still talk about our wedding day and the meals we shared, we hope to create those unforgettable moments for you. We look forward to the opportunity to craft a fun and meaningful experience that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Our Commitment to Quality, Sustainability, and Service
Mission | At the heart of Carmelita Catering Co.'s At Carmelita Catering Co., our mission is to deliver exceptional culinary experiences that bring people together, inspire joy, and create lasting memories. We view our work as a reflection of Christ’s love, striving to serve with grace, humility, and compassion.
Vision | We envision a world where every meal is an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and nourish others. Our goal is to be a leader in the catering industry, known for our bold creativity, high standards, and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. We are committed to giving back to those who need it most, with a particular focus on supporting our local community.
Our Values |
Passion: We are deeply passionate about what we do, pouring love and enthusiasm into every meal and interaction.
Exceeding Expectations: We aim to go above and beyond, delivering not only high-quality food but also unforgettable experiences.
Joyfully Giving: We believe in giving back with joy, contributing to the well-being of our team, clients, and community.
Caring for Others: At our core, we care for the people we serve, treating each person with kindness, respect, and attention to their needs.
Christ’s Work: We see our work as a reflection of Christ’s love, striving to serve with grace, humility, and compassion.
The Team

Karla Putts
Founder & CEO
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Susana Silva
Director of Operations

Jeremy Putts
Founder & Chef

Emily Wren
Event Designer

Carlos H. Leon
Chef
Words of Appreciation!

"Carmelita Catering is truly the best! They did our Welcome party and wedding food and 2 months later we are still getting compliments."
— Regan S.

"Cannot say enough good things about Carmelita! the food was incredible… we still have guests reaching out telling us how good the food was!
— Blakeley K.





