Fantastic Portland Venue & Delicious Food
Chris Geannelis
DIRECTOR OF EVENTS
Typically responds within 24h
Versatile Venue And Delicious Catering
Big Tree Catering, owners of Big Tree Catering at Local 188 in downtown Portland, ME, welcome you for all of your wedding-related celebrations, from the engagement party to the rehearsal dinner. The team believes that each event deserves the finest food and service, and the professionals go above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. With a flexible seating plan to suit your needs, Big Tree Catering aims to provide a unique and unforgettable setting for your special events.
Big Tree Catering is proud to open the former Local 188 restaurant to guests looking to book a private event in downtown Portland. Our venue offers a warm, eclectic space for events that center around great food and even better company. Whether it’s a holiday celebration, rehearsal dinner, welcome party, or corporate gathering, we would love to host your next event with us.
Mouthwatering Meals And Delectable Drinks
When you choose Big Tree Catering’s newest venue for your engagement party or rehearsal dinner, you’re getting appetite-whetting fare and tasty beverages. Prepared and served by talented professionals, you‘ll get the finest food from Big Tree Catering’s various locations, such as Eventide Oyster Co. and The Honey Paw. From seafood charcuterie, New England clam chowder, and vegetable tempura to the Maine lobster bake, fried chicken buns, and Bo Ssam, the delicacies will please the palates of all present. For a high-quality experience, unforgettable food, and an unequaled atmosphere, Big Tree Catering’s Events at Hugo’s is the perfect choice.
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Getting Engaged
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Meet the team
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- Andrew TaylorChef and ownerAndrew is a James Beard Award-winning Chef and proudly heads the Big Tree Catering team. Crafting creative, globally-influenced dishes, this professional can utilize his experience and skill to make every event exceptional.
- Arlin SmithGeneral Manager & OwnerOwner and General Manager Arlin Smith hails from Buffalo, New York, and holds a degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Early in his career, his appreciation for all things hospitality drew him out of the kitchen. He has since led Big Tree’s front of house teams and spearheaded the melding of function and design in establishing each of the Big Tree Hospitality restaurants. He has become something of an authority on hospitality, and has spoken on the subject in podcasts, on panels, and to many print journalists. Arlin leads by example in his commitment to instilling a spirit of generosity in the company’s staff by managing all of Big Tree Hospitality’s philanthropic efforts.
- Chris GeannelisDirector of EventsChris joined our team in 2021 and stepped into the role of Director of Events in 2022. After spending his formative years in New York City with STARR Events and Constellation Culinary Group, he moved north during the pandemic to be closer to family. Over his five years with Big Tree, Chris has played a key role in shaping Big Tree Catering into what it is today. His enthusiasm, passion for great food, and commitment to exceptional service make the planning process fun, engaging, and stress-free for every couple he works with.
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.02 reviews
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Julianne T
Highlighted review.
5.0
12/26/2025
We are so thrilled we went with Big Tree for our rehearsal dinner, welcome party, and reception. Genuinely SO delicious (we heard from at least a dozen guests that our food was the...
best food they’d ever had at a wedding). We also loved working with Chris and his team—they made things very easy and were extremely accommodating. I wish we could eat our wedding meal again because it was seriously that good.
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Savanna C
5.0
6/07/2026
Big Tree, Chris and the entire team are absolutely amazing. We used Big Tree for our wedding last September in Maine and they crushed it. The team is very hands on and on top of ev...
erything. Chris had excellent communication throughout the process as well. We truly did not have to worry about one thing when it came to the catering aspect of our day. Our guests were also blown away by the presentation and food. We heard over and over again that it was the best food guests have had at a wedding. Thank you so much Chris and the team!
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Big Tree Catering
Chris Geannelis
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Director of Events
Typically responds within 24h
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