Bringing Flavor to Every Moment
Exceptional Catering Services in Middle TN
Planning your next event? Our catering team delivers handcrafted meals made right here in Middle Tennessee.
Inspired Flavors. Genuine Hospitality.
EJ 2Step Caterers and Café
Proudly serving Middle Tennessee, EJ 2Step Caterers and Café offers catering for events of all sizes, along with a delicious homemade café menu and more. With over 30 years of combined experience, we’re ready to make your next occasion special — including holiday catering. Contact us today to get a start planning your event!
Best of 2025 Award Winner – BusinessRate, Columbia
Delicious Moments, Thoughtfully Crafted
Catering Services & Our Café
We’re not just caterers, we’re creators of unforgettable experiences. Our team is committed to making your event a reflection of who you are and what you love.
We can discuss options outside of our menu, just ask!
Caprese on Skewers
On-the-vine cherry tomatoes, fresh basil with seasoned mozzarella balls with a drizzle of balsamic.
Shrimp Cocktail
Large shrimp seasoned and served with cocktail sauce and fresh lemons. A great party starter!
Ernie’s Empanadas Cocktail-Size
Stuffed pastry fried on-site to guarantee fresh and crispy. Bet you can’t eat just one! Fried On Site!
Fillings – Beef, Chicken, Jalapeño & Cream Cheese, Nashville Hot Chicken, Authentic Argentinian Beef, Carne Asada, Buffalo Chicken, Spinach & Cream Cheese, Ham & Cheese, Pulled Pork, Meatball Parmesan, Blackberry Dijon Chicken, All Cheese, Sweet Potato & Kale
Dessert: Strawberry Cream Cheese, Blueberry Cream Cheese with compote, S’mores, Banana/Nutella, and Apple/Cinnamon.
Charcuterie/Grazing Table
Array of colorful fruit, veggies, cheeses, meats, crackers, jams, condiments and assorted crackers. May also be served in charcuterie platters, and cups.
Gluten-free options are always available.
Individual boxes are now available for showers, day-of wedding luncheon, & more! Inquire today!
Chopped Fruit
Bourbon & Asian Ginger Meatballs
Large fresh rolled meatballs bathed in bourbon sauce with a splash of honey. One is plenty but two are twice as good. Enjoy! Now try them with an Asian Ginger sauce! They’re savory with a kick!
Grilled Blackberry Chicken Quesadilla
Monterey Jack cheese is melted into a lightly-browned flour tortilla, topped with finely-chopped grilled chicken with sautéed peppers marinated in a blackberry Dijon sauce. We’re taking quesadillas to the head of the table.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Spears
Cuban Cigar Spring Rolls
Try a Cuban cigar in Tennessee! Fried on-site! Filled with ham, pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and tangy mustard. You won’t be disappointed! Fried on Site!
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
A seafood lover’s delight!
Not Your Ordinary Chip Bar
Add this festive touch to your event! Your guests get to create their own chip platter with corn tortillas! Complete with choices of salsa, queso, fresh guacamole, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, jalapeños, black olives, sour cream.
Pork Spring Rolls AKA: Philippine Lumpia
Stuffed Mini-Sweet Bell Peppers
An assortment of colored bell peppers stuffed with cream cheese and corn, seasoned to taste.
Brisket Mini's with Sweet Rolls
Great for Heavy Appetizer Events.
Weddings: Let’s Discuss!
Bruschetta
Mixed Organic Salad
Mixed organic greens, julienned carrots, and croutons with your choice of two dressings. Optional tomatoes.
Spinach & Berries Salad
Fresh spinach with added mixed organic salad, strawberries, blueberries, and feta. Pecans are optional.
Caesar Salad
Traditional Caesar made with romaine lettuce, shaved asiago-parmesan, grated romano cheese, and croutons.
Choose 2:
Salad Dressings
Raspberry Vinaigrette
Ranch
Creamy Balsamic
Creamy Italian
Caesar
Poppyseed
Chipotle Ranch
Grilled Chopped Chicken
Tender grilled chopped chicken with your choice of sauce.
Choice Of Sauce – Bourbon, Asian Ginger, Honey Chipotle, Blackberry Dijon Mustard, Caribbean Jack
Hickory-Smoked Brisket
Perfectly seasoned, smoked with hickory, thinly sliced, melt in your mouth delicious!
Sicilian Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
Moist and flavorful thigh chicken wrapped in bacon served on a bed of rotel. A fan favorite!
Pulled Pork
Smoked to perfection, melt in your mouth flavor. Leave natural juices or add a sauce.
Choice Of Sauce – Bourbon, Honey Chipotle, BBQ Sauce, Golden Sauce.
Taco Bar
The Taco Bar includes Blackberry Dijon chicken, but we also offer ground beef, carne asada, brisket, or choose your own as a second entree! Flour and corn tortillas and sautéed onions are also included. Check out the SIDES for additional ideas!
The fun continues with corn tortilla chips and all the toppings! The Chip Bar includes Queso, pico de gallo, fresh guacamole, jalapeños, shredded cheese and lettuce, salsa, pickled onion, olives, sour cream, and limes! Dale, che!!
Churros
Pork Tenderloin
Marinated in Caribbean Jerk, or Sweet Habanero sauce. Sliced in medallions.
Chicken Alfredo
Blackened Seasoning can be added
Shrimp Alfredo
Seared 4oz Filet Mignon
Grilled Atlantic Salmon
Delicious grilled salmon. Includes fresh lemons.
Honey Baked Ham
Honey-glazed baked ham, tender and sliced.
8oz Ribeye
For the ultimate culinary experience, we will grill this exceptional steak on-site, a steak prepared to your choice of temp. Served with chimichurri and horseradish.
An additional fee is charged for grill transportation. The venue must be notified.
Twice Baked Ziti
Ziti pasta with mozzarella, ricotta and parmesan cheeses tossed in a meatless marinara sauce. Vegetarian and Gluten Free Options.
Create Your Own – Beef, Sausage, Zucchini & Squash
Momma Jane's Lasagna
Sheets of flat pasta, layered with 3 kinds of cheese, graciously seasoned with tomato meat sauce, and lots of love. The old neighborhood kid’s favorite!
Full-Size Ernie's Empanadas
Stuffed pastry fried on-site to guarantee fresh and crispy. Please choose up to two fillings as an entree for your guests.
Fillings – Beef, Chicken, Jalapeño and Cream Cheese, Authentic Argentinian Beef, Carne Asada, Buffalo Chicken, Spinach & Cream Cheese, Ham & Cheese, Pulled Pork, Sausage & Peppers, Blackberry Dijon Chicken, Meatball Parmesan, Philly Cheesesteak, Nashville Hot Chicken, Sweet Potato/Kale and All Cheese.
Desserts: Strawberry & Blueberry Cheesecake with Compote, s’mores, banana/nutella, apple/cinnamon.
Breakfast Buffet
A La Carte Breakfast Items
Sausage
Bacon
Muffin/Danish Tray
Whole Fruit
Orange Juice
Ernie’s Cubed Home Fries
Seasoned to perfection and cooked in a skillet to a crispy brown. Includes onion, bell peppers, egg, ham, bacon, sausage, and cheese. Or make it your way!
Waffles (Gluten-Free Available!)
Assorted chopped fruit, assorted jams and jellies, homemade maple syrup, chocolate chips, and dried fruit.
Ernie’s Breakfast Empanadas
It’s a different kind of breakfast made for champions. Choose any three fillings for a NY state of mind:
Bacon, Egg, and Cheese
Sausage, Egg, and Cheese
Ham, Egg, and Cheese
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Potato Bar
White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese
Spanish Rice
A perfect compliment to a taco bar or anytime.
Orzo
A rice that thinks it’s a pasta.
Dirty Rice
A mixed blend of pork and beef, seasoned in various spices. Can be made to order, but price subject to change.
EJs White Rice
White rice made with garlic, butter and parmesan. Chef Ernie’s college go-to meal.
Alabama Street Corn
Southern Green Beans
Includes a secret ingredient to keep you guessing.
Zesty Green Beans
Seasoned with lemon pepper with a touch of lemon zest. Refreshing and delicious!
Steamed Mixed Veggies
Steamed Broccoli
The other green. fresh and versatile.
Toppings – Shredded Cheese, Queso Cheese Sauce, Plain
Black Beans
A protein-packed side that is good anytime including a taco bar.
Baked Beans
There is nothing more southern than delicious baked beans and brown sugar. It goes great with…everything.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled sprigs of asparagus drizzled with balsamic.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Grilled Squash and Zucchini
Olive oil, parmesan or feta cheese. A healthier side dish, seasoned to taste.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sautéed with spinach, celery and onion to create a colorful blend.
Seasoned Roasted Potatoes
Seasoned roasted potatoes, oven roasted until golden and tender, tossed with savory herbs and spices for rich comforting flavor in every bite.
Breads
Garlic and herb yeast rolls.
Hawaiian sweet rolls.
Pies
Finger desserts offered such as cookies, brownie bites & cheesecake bites.
Ask about our dessert empanadas
Ask about other desserts
Ice Cream Bar
Includes chocolate, vanilla, your choice of a 3rd flavor, 3 syrups, and your choice of toppings.
Syrups – Chocolate, Caramel, Butterscotch
Toppings – Sprinkles, Marshmallows, Chocolate Chips, M&M’s, Whip Cream, Strawberries, Blueberries, and Much More!
Strawberry Cheesecake
Our strawberry cheesecake is a timeless indulgence, artfully crafted to offer a perfect balance of richness and elegance.
Beverage Station
Provided in self-serve dispensers.
16oz clear plastic cups included.
Milo’s Sweet Tea
Unsweet Tea
Half n Half (Half Sweet Tea & Half Lemonade)
Lemonade
Water
Other
Fruit Tea
Extra Bags of Ice
Water Services
Water carafes placed on tables. No refills.
Refills may need an additional server, let’s discuss!
Filled water glasses before dinner.
Refills of water glasses during dinner require an extra server.
Bar Services
Bartenders for 6-7 hours (with tip jar). Includes bar set-up, cut-up garnishes, and clean-up area. Will box up leftover alcohol. We are insured.
Dinnerware
10.5″ Glass Plates
Water Glasses
Silverware
Goldware (Additional charge)
Glass Salad Plates
Flutes
Wine Glasses
Additional Supplies
#264 9oz Clear Plastic Wine Cups
#132 16oz Clear Plastic Beer Cups
#90 6.25″ Clear Plastic Plates
#300 Clear Plastic Forks
Additional Service Charges
After hours clean-up policy as per the venue/coordinator. Please inform us of this policy, as it is important to us to follow the rules.
Coffee Bar
Coffee is available iced or hot with assorted creamers, and sugars, both 16 oz plastic cups, and 8 oz paper cups with lids, respectively.
Food Services
We highly recommend buffet style serving where we stand behind our food and serve your guests both professionally and confidently. We set up, serve, buss, and do trash pick up from the tables.
We do provide plated and served, but recommend discussing all the details with us and what it requires before a final decision is made.
We can offer you our plated and served service. In order to efficiently serve your guests in a timely manner, this service does require extra staff and other charges to be determined.
Celebrate Every Moment with Exceptional Flavor
The Flavor You Deserve
Why Choose EJ 2 Step Caterers
We don’t just serve food we create experiences worth remembering. With a perfect blend of rich flavors, warm hospitality, and flawless service, we make every moment special for you and your guests.
- Fresh, locally inspired ingredients
- Customized catering for every occasion
- Friendly and professional service
- A warm café experience with Southern charm
Passion on Every Plate
Meet the Team
Behind every unforgettable flavor is a creative mind and a passionate heart. Our chef brings years of culinary expertise, blending Southern comfort with modern flair. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared to create a perfect balance of taste, quality, and presentation, turning simple meals into memorable experiences.
The Faces Behind the Flavor!
Tabitha (Crew Lead)
Lead Bartender
Lisa (Crew Lead)
Grazing Table Expert
Kat
Crew Lead
Meaghan (Crew Lead)
Bar Consultant
Come Visit Us Today
Check out our Cafe Location
Ernie’s Empanadas Cafe where passion meets flavor. We’re more than just a cafe — we’re a warm, inviting space where every cup of coffee and every bite of food is made with love.
Blogs
Read Our News, Articles And The Latest Updates
Catering Service Fees and Tipping: What You Need to Know
Curious about how catering service fees and tipping work? Check out this helpful article from Modern Catering that breaks down what’s included in catering costs…
The Top Catering Trends for 2025: What’s In, What’s Out
At EJ 2Step Catering, we love staying inspired by what’s happening in the food and catering scene. We came across this helpful piece on 2025’s biggest…
Serving Smiles and Stories: Building Community at the Café
Building relationships at the Cafe has been a true blessing, and we love meeting new people! Moving into a new area isn’t always easy, but…
Let’s Connect
Get in Touch With Us
Have questions or ready to plan your next event? Reach out to our team and we’ll be happy to assist you. Whether it’s a casual get together or a special event.. we’re just a message away.
Testimonial
What They Say About Us.
“I have been recommending this caterer to everyone because they were absolutely extraordinary! The owners Ernie and Jane are so personable. By the end of the wedding, they felt more like family than a vendor. Before we even booked them they had us over for a tasting. We tried plate after plate. We left full and they sent us home with to-go boxes. They cooked many different cuisines and helped us customize our menu. We had a taco bar (Their blackberry chicken is amazing!) and an ice cream sundae bar with churros for dessert. For a little extra they provided the plates, glass cups, silverware, and cleaned all of it up at the end of the reception. Everything was amazing! Such an amazing team!”
“Perfect. Zero room for improvement. We had Jane and Ernie run the catering for our wedding and I could not have loved them more. They are precious people who seem to love their job and just want to make you happy. They even danced (without our encouragement) at the wedding. We had so many people compliment the food. It was fresh and hot in a venue with no kitchen or running water. They were able to provide so many things that I would have had to buy or rent elsewhere. They were so accommodating and can make just about anything you are imagining. They also work with a local baker and can make dessert less expensive and logistically simple if you use her as well. As the bride and groom, they made sure we ate AND sent us out with to-go food just in case. Their professional staff served the buffet to make sure our food didn’t run short; in fact, we had plenty to take home. They bussed the tables and none of my crew had to worry a thing about any of it. They were easily the best people I worked with during the whole wedding process, and to top it off, their prices are super reasonable. They presented a menu based on the budget I was able to give them. They were so kind and really worked to make sure I was getting everything that I could within my means.”
“My family and all the wedding guests were blown away by the exceptional quality of food provided by Ernie and Jane. These two are excellent at what they do. They are caring, friendly people who are super responsive to emails and calls. The prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes, and honey glazed carrots were AMAZING. I couldn't imagine cooking that for 250 people, but they pulled it off to perfection. HIGHLY recommend this company!!”
“Jane, Chef Ernie and the entire EJ2Step crew made our March 7, 2025 Rehearsal Party a huge hit! After our first phone call with Jane we knew immediately they were perfect and our tasting at their restaurant confirmed it! Jane is so easy to work with and gave us great suggestions as our dinner plans changed. What started as a seated dinner became a large cocktail party and they adapted seamlessly! Chef Ernie’s empanadas and the rest of the food were fantastic and the service couldn’t have been better! Our guests loved it as much as we did and are still talking about it!”
“My wife and I used EJ's and wow they were AMAZING. We originally did a tasting with them a few months before the wedding, and that is when we knew. Jane and Chef Ernie are so amazing and the sweetest couple. The tasting was so fun and learning how Chef Ernie prepared the food was so interesting and made me more confident than ever. On the wedding day, they arrived hours before hand, but you would never know it with the food being SO FRESH AND DELICIOUS. All of our guests were so pleased with the food and service that the EJ's team had. 10/10 would highly recommend. Be sure to get the beef empanadas!!!”
Courtney's Sweet Confections
Our partnership with Courtney’s Sweet Confections means we can offer you a wide range of delicious cakes and desserts.
Get a Quote
Please submit your contact information, and we’ll send over a customized “Get a Quote” form based on your selections. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
