Notre Dame’s Three Leaf catering has a commitment to excellence every day, but especially on gameday weekends. The atmosphere on campus is unbeatable with family, friends, colleagues and alums gathering for dinners, receptions, and other memorable events. With a group of 75 full-time and part-time staff members, the catering team works collaboratively to make sure each event happens successfully - without as much as a drop of a fork, and captures the spirit of Notre Dame.
Three Leaf’s award-winning culinary team is led by Seth VanderLaan, director of culinary for Experience Notre Dame, who previously was the Executive Chef at Miller Park with the Milwaukee Brewers. Ryli Vissers, Three Leaf executive chef, was awarded first place in the National Association of College and University Food Services Culinary Challenge and finds inspiration for his menus through his extensive travels. Calvin Metts, Three Leaf’s executive chef at Morris Inn and McKenna Conference Center, opened Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse in the Intercontinental Hotel on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue, and Sinai Vespie, Three Leaf executive pastry chef, was the winner of the Food Network Halloween Baking Championship and developed her skills at Walt Disney World.
The Three Leaf team serves an average of 2500 guests per game for breakfasts, lunches, dinners and receptions beginning on Wednesdays before game weekends.
“If it wasn't hard enough already for this team to put together high-end events around campus on a normal day, on gameday they need to be able to maneuver with tens of thousands of people directly in their path,” said VanderLaan. “Watching what they do on gameday weekends is truly astounding.”
The preparation doesn’t just happen in the kitchen. The Three Leaf team puts together highly coordinated events from start to finish - many of which happen with skyline views of Main Building, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, or overlooking the field at Notre Dame Stadium. The catering team works with the Experience Notre Dame Business Development and Events teams to make sure every glass is polished, every chair is in its place, every napkin is folded, and every dish is golden.
And, that’s just on event day! The preparation leading up to the event can take months, sometimes even years. Many event venues are open to the public for reservations through the Experience Notre Dame team, however coveted spaces on gameday weekends are booked very far in advance.
“Everyone from service staff, trucking, stewarding, management, administration, and culinary all play a crucial role in this success,” said VanderLaan.
Three Leaf also offers catering for tailgates. With their pickup and delivery service, Three Leaf can kickoff your tailgate on gameday weekends with sandwich platters, appetizer trays, wings, cheesesteaks, burgers, cakes and desserts, and more.