TGIS's internationally trained Executive Chef and culinary team are committed to innovating and dazzling palettes across Southern California. They are constantly working to find fresh, new takes on existing favorites, testing combinations of foods never before seen, and experimenting with new flavors to stay on the cutting edge.
This sense of pride in our work extends to the entire TGIS staff, from our event designers, and mixologists, to our friendly serving staff. TGIS has a unified goal, and that is to deliver service and food of the highest quality for our clients and guests.
This sense of pride in our work extends to the entire TGIS staff, from our event designers, and mixologists, to our friendly serving staff. TGIS has a unified goal, and that is to deliver service and food of the highest quality for our clients and guests.
Services
Those are the pillars on which THANK GOODNESS IT'S SOFIA CATERING was founded in 1989. Since then, the brother/sister team of Sofia Riley and George Marinos have taken TGIS Catering from a 1,000 square foot kitchen in Long Beach to the forefront of event planning and catering in Southern California.
Experiment and excite your senses as our culinary team fuses, invents and architects fine cuisine using only the freshest of ingredients. TGIS was born out of a passion for food that remains at the core of our approach to every party or event. Our internationally trained culinary team aims, above all, to create dishes full of flavor, flair, and style that will excite the senses.
Take your next corporate event to another level with the help of TGIS. We understand that a company's brand and perception are paramount to helping it succeed in a competitive marketplace. Our team will prepare and execute a plan for the most elegant corporate gala, product launches, tenant appreciations and branded events.
Although our food has garnered recognition across Southern California, TGIS is also a full-service event planning and production company. Our experienced team can take you through every step, from finding the perfect location to designing an invitation and all the way to finishing touches with floral and tabletop design.
Selecting the ideal venue for your event involves much more than capacity, location and parking availability. The time of day, architectural style, lighting, decor, acoustics, and photographic requirements are all crucial factors in selecting the perfect home for your event. TGIS has established exclusive relationships with a wide array of diverse venues in Southern California, each offering its own unique charm.
Reviews (22)
D. Ha
Dec 03, 2021
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Barbara G.
Oct 19, 2021
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Two years ago we used TGIS to cater the annual fundraiser for the nonprofit, Wells Bring Hope. They did an incredible job in every way--executing a "Fabulous Fifties" theme. Since we were unable, due to Covid, have an event in 2020, we were very excited about 2021 and of course, we hired TGIS again for a wonderful theme: "Sunday in a Japanese Garden." The menu they offered was perfect in, not only carrying out our theme ( we wanted no sushi) but in providing very interesting, unusual and very tasty food.
This event was held at my home, and the worst thing possible happened
This event was held at my home, and the worst thing possible happened
Matt L.
Jun 28, 2021
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Used TGIS to cater our wedding on 6/18/21 and our rehearsal dinner at our wedding venue the night before.
Experience from start to finish for over a year was excellent. Great communication from Jeremy Smith from the get go. He answered all of our questions and happily made multiple revisions to our original quote with no hesitation.
The food and staff for both events was fantastic. Had many comments from our guests about the quality. We had steaks at the wedding and they were all perfectly cooked (very difficult to do at scale).
I don't plan on having another wedding, but sure know who
Experience from start to finish for over a year was excellent. Great communication from Jeremy Smith from the get go. He answered all of our questions and happily made multiple revisions to our original quote with no hesitation.
The food and staff for both events was fantastic. Had many comments from our guests about the quality. We had steaks at the wedding and they were all perfectly cooked (very difficult to do at scale).
I don't plan on having another wedding, but sure know who
Cathy W.
Sep 09, 2020
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Do to the current COVID restrictions we had a very, scaled down event. I contacted several caterers. I was impressed with the options offered by TGIS. The guest of honor also had many dietary restrictions. I chose the social to go option. It was exactly what I had in mind for this event! Jeremy was very helpful with my many requests. The food portions were extremely generous. Everyone asked where the food was from because it was so good. I hope when the world opens up they continue to offer these various options. I know I now have a go to caterer.
Mike C.
Aug 21, 2020
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I have been receiving meals from TGIS and just wanted to comment that there really on spot. The vegetables are always al dente, meats done perfectly with excellent sauces and a great variety of ethnic dishes. I would highly recommend this company to anybody in need of a quality catering service. I am a serious foodie!
M. T.
May 07, 2020
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TGIS donated prepared meals to our hospital ( California Hospital Medical Center) for our frontliners. They were the most delicious meals we have had donated. Everyone of our nurses and physicians were grateful and raved about how delicious the meals were. One of our nurses actually got a roll to clean up the plate to eat the last piece. Thank you so much for your generosity. The quality was superb. We won't forget you in the future.
Thank you
Thank you
Liz R.
Apr 14, 2020
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Didn't feel like cooking on Easter and heard from a friend to check out TGIS - so glad I did - called in and spoke to Jeremy who was knowledgeable and very helpful - I have a few food allergies which is concerning but after going through the order felt comfortable and placed the order - food was amazing and reasonably priced - would order again for any event I am hosting
Eric S.
Apr 09, 2020
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I have been to many functions where TGIS has catered, and every one of them was unique and delicious. I know them, and even so biased, all I can say is try this, you'll be biased too.
Thank you guys...This week was the best ever. My wife and I are hunkered down keeping distance, and found out about TGIS's pickup service. We ordered a meal a day for the week, and to top it off, George and Elizabeth came up with a gourmet plant based menu that we are loving every day. Veggie Tika Masala, Roasted Ancho Peppers with rice, Chick Pea Schwarma, and more... all with salads, and bread, and even
Thank you guys...This week was the best ever. My wife and I are hunkered down keeping distance, and found out about TGIS's pickup service. We ordered a meal a day for the week, and to top it off, George and Elizabeth came up with a gourmet plant based menu that we are loving every day. Veggie Tika Masala, Roasted Ancho Peppers with rice, Chick Pea Schwarma, and more... all with salads, and bread, and even
Eric B.
Apr 06, 2020
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Nadine R.
Aug 19, 2019
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I worked with Mark Rivera to coordinate the catering for our wedding at our home. His recommendations were great for our cocktail hour and the meal. Our guests loved the meal choices. The entire staff worked seamlessly to cook, serve, bartend, clean--in fact, so well, that it was if we were at a restaurant or event venue that had a staff and not our house. Thank you to TGIS and the entire staff for helping to make our wedding day so perfect.
Ana N.
May 19, 2019
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It was wonderful planning the menu with Mark. The food was excellent and all of our guest loved it! The catering team (Miguel, Ana, Martin, Debbie, and Dax) did an amazing job. We appreciated their attention to detail, professionalism and graciousness. They were lighting candles and were willing to do anything that would help us. They went above and beyond. Thank you all!
Kim V.
May 15, 2019
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We had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth from TGIS for our wedding at the casino San Clemente. The service was amazing and they really pulled out all the stops to give us our perfect wedding vision. We opted to do food stations rather than a sit down dinner. Elizabeth helped us design the perfect menu and create the best experience for our guests. Everyone could not stop raving about the delicious food! I am so happy we had the TGIS team to make our wedding such a huge success!
Kenzie C.
Feb 09, 2019
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We had our wedding 9/22/18 at the Palos Verdes Art Center. Our contact person was Vanessa Pro, and she provided such helpful and accommodating service. Everyone raved about the food! Many guests approached us during the wedding to tell us how bland wedding food typically is, and how our wedding food was some of the best they had ever had! For two foodies like my (now) husband and I, this was exactly the feedback we were wanting to hear from guests after carefully planning out our menu :)
For apps we had the black bean empanadas, mini lobster rolls (guest favorite!) and spicy wonton cups. The
For apps we had the black bean empanadas, mini lobster rolls (guest favorite!) and spicy wonton cups. The
Ana E.
Jan 26, 2019
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The food from here is outstanding! They have the absolute BEST southwest chicken salad! The salsa dressing is out of this world! I work at a place where we get food catered daily. I've not had one bad thing from here. They have vegan, gluten free and diabetic options! If you're looking for yummy food to get catered, THIS is the the best!
Kitin D.
Jan 21, 2019
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We had our wedding 11/12/17. We had our ceremony and the reception at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza. We didn't have an actual wedding planner but our event coordinator was Violeta and she helped us out alot. We only planned for our wedding in 6 weeks and within that time frame was able to work with TGIS to get everything setup, food, venue, decors, all was amazing because of your help. Thank you, you guys made it a night we surely will not forget.
Machelle T.
Aug 02, 2018
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Wow! I've hired TGIS to cater 3 events for my business and I'm blown away at how effortless it is to present an amazing event with just a phone call. Sophia, George, Elizabeth and their staff made everything effortless and spectacular. Never again will I fret over hosting an event, thanks to their expertise, their phenominal team, and their unique, creative, and delicious suggestions. Always a crowd pleaser.
Additionally, I belong to many business groups and collaborate with other professionals who hire TGIS to cater their personal and professional events. Everyone knows when you
Additionally, I belong to many business groups and collaborate with other professionals who hire TGIS to cater their personal and professional events. Everyone knows when you
Corey V.
Jul 23, 2018
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Jennifer Q.
Jul 16, 2018
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We have had multiple catering events where TGIS was the catering services and all the guests and myself included were very happy! i truly have to acknowledge Miguel who was taking care of us at our most recent event in Irvine. this man is VERY knowledgeable about the food, is extremely friendly, and professional. it was a pleasure talking to him and i was blown away by all the DELICIOUS food that was served. they aided in helping set up and clean up the event food and beverages. highly impressed and would recommend to anyone looking to have great food and a highly professional team working your
John Foutris
May 16, 2018
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Vanessa S.
Oct 03, 2016
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I had my wedding ceremony and reception at the Centre at Sycamore Plaza in Lakewood, catered by TGIS Catering services and i can say confidently that i would highly recommend them!
For the entire year i was planning for my wedding, we worked with Azalea Perez, the event manager. Her advice, referrals and overall help has made the entire process much easier. She was very kind and kept in touch with me, answering all my questions and even referred us to couple vendors for the wedding. She was available and flexible with her time whenever we felt we needed to come in, whether to take a look at the
For the entire year i was planning for my wedding, we worked with Azalea Perez, the event manager. Her advice, referrals and overall help has made the entire process much easier. She was very kind and kept in touch with me, answering all my questions and even referred us to couple vendors for the wedding. She was available and flexible with her time whenever we felt we needed to come in, whether to take a look at the
Carly P.
Dec 01, 2014
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I hired TGIS catering for my wedding on 10.12.13 as they were a preferred caterer for my venue. All in all, I would hire them again as we were, for the most part, very pleased.
Mark Rivera is the contact for weddings and he is prompt with communication and sent us the various food menus and pricing quickly. This is an extremely well-priced caterer for all things considered when it comes to weddings and the variety of food options is endless.
They do a once a month tasting event for potential clients which my fiance and I did attend since food quality was right at the top of our list when it
Mark Rivera is the contact for weddings and he is prompt with communication and sent us the various food menus and pricing quickly. This is an extremely well-priced caterer for all things considered when it comes to weddings and the variety of food options is endless.
They do a once a month tasting event for potential clients which my fiance and I did attend since food quality was right at the top of our list when it
Laura S.
Apr 15, 2013
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I have to say... Jeremy Smith... you are AWESOME!
I had my wedding at the Betty Reckas Cultural Center (Greek Church) and TGIS catering catered the wedding.
So first, I started by contacting Jeremy. He responded back quickly and gave me the run down on the packages and gave me a tour of the venue. I LOVED the venue and with the prices on the packages... I LOVED it even more.
When I purchased my packages, it was in 2011. I planned my wedding WAY in advanced and got 2011 prices - but Jeremy told me they really don't change their prices at all. WHAT?!?! Other places increase their prices
I had my wedding at the Betty Reckas Cultural Center (Greek Church) and TGIS catering catered the wedding.
So first, I started by contacting Jeremy. He responded back quickly and gave me the run down on the packages and gave me a tour of the venue. I LOVED the venue and with the prices on the packages... I LOVED it even more.
When I purchased my packages, it was in 2011. I planned my wedding WAY in advanced and got 2011 prices - but Jeremy told me they really don't change their prices at all. WHAT?!?! Other places increase their prices
