MUSCATINE, Iowa (Dec. 12, 2022) – The new Cedar River Ranch Resort & Events Center, located in Letts, Iowa, recently opened its catering business in time for the holiday and new year seasons. Cedar River Ranch Catering is led by Jennifer Santoro, a seasoned culinary director. 
Santoro grew up in the culinary business at her hometown in the United Kingdom, where her parents ran a pub and restaurant for years. Her mother is a Cordon Bleu Chef who taught Santoro about recipe and cuisine creation and the culinary industry. Santoro traveled throughout Europe for many years working with high profile households equipped with a team of staff.
“I was fortunate to have a background in the culinary industry while I worked abroad,” said Santoro. “It helped immensely as we crafted our state-of-the-art commercial kitchen and menu for events hosted at the ranch or onsite at client locations.”
The three-course holiday menu boasts options for any size of gathering. The menu features entrée choices such as Traditional Turkey, Honey and Mustard Roasted Ham, Hot Beef, and a Zucchini and Walnut Bake, a vegan option. Additionally, the menu includes appetizer and dessert choices. Close to Santoro’s heart is the Apricot Bread & Butter Pudding, which her mother made during the holidays.
“I love being able to bring some of my family-favorite recipes to our customers,” said Santoro. “Turkey and the trimmings are traditional food for the holiday season in the United Kingdom,” explains Santoro. “Our culinary team strives with every meal we prepare to evoke memories of homemade dinners during the holidays.” 

Cedar River Ranch Catering also complements the event venues located on the property. The Ranch includes three event buildings of various sizes to host small-to-large gatherings, year-round. The spectacular menu of traditional American cuisine, with an international flare, nods to the special memories created around a dinner table.
The entire vision of owners Jim and Freda Sojka doesn’t stop at running a resort. They aim to offer flavorful cuisine with their catering and food truck businesses, as well as hosting guests and events on the property, all while providing a home and community for women in recovery. The Cedar River Haven program uses a multi-faceted approach to support the women in various aspects of life, including a stable and loving environment. The women at the Haven have opportunities to gain valuable life, work, and interpersonal skills through culinary, housekeeping, hospitality, event management, and retail training, all while earning money by working in each of these businesses as they get back on their feet.
For more information or to request a proposal, visit www.cedarriverranch.com and select Book an Event or contact catering@cedarriverranch.com. 

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About Cedar River Ranch Resort & Events Center
Located in Muscatine County at 2798 Casey Ave, Letts, Iowa, Cedar River Ranch Resort & Event Center opened in spring of 2021. When owners Jim and Freda Sojka purchased a former Bible camp after selling its successful global company Simply Soothing, Inc., which produced the popular, natural bug repellent, Bug Soother. Soon renovation of the multi-building, 53-acre property began. The property is nestled along the Cedar River and the resort has 16 cabins, open annually, April through October. The Ranch also offers three indoor and outdoor event venues, perfect to host gatherings, both small and large, including weddings, reunions, corporate events, and more all year round. Cedar River Ranch Resort & Events Center, along with its other businesses Haven’s Hope Thrift Store and The Box Lunch Food Truck, are proud to support its non-profit, Cedar River Haven, a recovery community assisting women in recovery through programming, employment, training, and more. 

 

Media contact:
Nikki Salek, COO
Cedar River Ranch & Resort
319.728.3333
nsalek@cedarriverranch.com