Our Team
The Soiree team includes the most dedicated and talented group of experts in the field of catering and events, from dishwashers to chefs to the executive director, everyone has a love for food and the art of entertaining.
Mary Hataway Owner/Chef
Prior to starting Soiree Catering and Events in the spring of 2004, Chef Mary Hataway owned Atlanta restaurant The Patio By The River (now Canoe) for twenty years. Mary has been honored by many top tier publications including Vogue, Bon Appetit, Gourmet, and Wine Spectator as one of America’s top female chefs; and she has had numerous appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America. Mary has catered events for luminaries such as Julia Child, the Emperor of Japan – Akihito, Bo Derek, Whitney Houston, Andrew Young, and so many more. Mary was recently named the 2019 recipient of the esteemed Industry Icon Award by Modern Luxury Weddings.
Mary Louise Smith
Head Chef
Mary Louise Smith started as an apprentice to Mary Boyle Hataway at The Patio restaurant in 1976. For almost 50 years, Mary Louise’s taste, ability, good will, incredible work ethic, and humor have guided her seamlessly through Atlanta’s finest rest kitchens, including Bones, and The Patio by the River, and now at helm of the pre-eminent catering company in the Southeast.
Rich Liblang
Senior Sales Executive
Rich Liblang joined Soiree in early 2009 and has an extensive 20 year background in food service management and event planning. With a degree in hospitality administration, Rich started his career in Atlanta in the event industry planning corporate functions, followed by 10 years as a restaurant operator of a café in Decatur before returning to the excitement of the industry. Having planned intimate dinners for President Carter to orchestrating 500 plus guest receptions in the middle of a National Golf Tournament, Rich has the ability to reassure that every event will be perfect.
In his free time, Rich loves to travel to new cities exploring architecture and trying unique foods.