our roots
Just as a plant begins as a tiny seed, so too Root Catering began as a small idea. It all started in California with a little notion to visit a farmers market, then cook dinner using the freshly acquired ingredients.
One meal led to two, three clients led to four and so on. Soon a little business was off and running. As this feisty enterprise blossomed, our founder realized it was time to uproot the company and head back home. So the company (all of one person!) moved back to Rochester in 2011.
From the get-go, our passion was to embrace and live the farm-to-table movement, prepare innovative and delicious meals using fresh food, and provide exquisite service. As we forged partnerships with some of the best vendors in the Rochester region and grew our clientele, we were ready for the next step. And so Root Catering was born. Ta-da!
As the name suggests, here at Root, we seek to honor roots: the food we grow and prepare, the meals we enjoy with family and friends, our hometown, the relationships we form.
Above all, Root Catering celebrates a journey and a passion: crossing the country, returning home and devoting ourselves to a labor of love.
Kristin Klock-Wattie
chef + owner
Kristin’s culinary career began in San Francisco, where she worked as an event planner for four years until it dawned on her that only in the kitchen would she find her true passion. After receiving classical training as a chef, she started a Bay Area business as a personal chef and small-event caterer.
About a decade later, Kristin’s hometown began calling her back. In 2011, she answered the call and returned to Rochester. In no time, Root Catering (then called Chef k2) became one of Rochester’s elite caterers. Kristin and Root Catering now focus on custom, creative menus that celebrate the region’s culinary bounty.
“I realized all I really wanted to do was come home and cook dinner.”
Zach Bickford
executive chef
Zach joined the Root team shortly after moving to the Rochester area in 2021. Before that he had spent the past 10 years in Boulder, Colorado attending culinary school, working at some of the areas many fine dinning establishments and learning from many great chefs. His passion for food started at a young age watching his grandmother cook a traditional Swedish Smorgasbord every year and has only grown since his first dish washing job at the age of 16.
Zach loves music, agriculture and the great outdoors. On his off time you will most likely find him playing guitar, singing songs, hiking, running and dreaming up delicious things to eat!
Shannon Swenson
event manager
Shannon Swenson has been with Root Catering since 2019, and is pleased to be part of such an energetic, dedicated and positive team. You can find her managing events and front of house with a smile and a meticulously color-coded service plan.
Outside of Root, Shannon climbs at the rock gym, hangs out with her cat and is pursuing a Masters in mental health counseling.
Nicole Talen
event manager
For the last decade, Nicole has paired her creative eye with her logistical brain to passionately plan and execute weddings and social events throughout Western NY and the Finger Lakes. She brings that same level of expert execution to Kin as she brings events to life, precisely managing the details and diligently ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Nicole loves a hot chai latte, a fresh stack of post-it notes, a well-organized spreadsheet and, let's not forget - a killer margarita! Her two little kids keep her busy and are always teaching her new ways to see the world.
Kate Cassels
operations manager
Kate began working in the restaurant and service industry at the age of fourteen. In 2013 she co-founded a local bakery that focused on dietary needs and unique designs. She first served at Root Catering in its infancy and has come back to join the management ranks for both Root Catering and Kin Event Space.
When she’s not behind the scenes ensuring the every day tasks of Root Catering run smoothly, she can be found in her small home sewing studio or out and about with her family of four!
Ryan Lewis
bar manager
Ryan comes to Root / Kin after several years serving as a local bartender. He admires Root’s culinary achievements and brings the same personality and attention to detail to our bar program. He works with clients to select beer, wine, and cocktails from our seasonal offerings.
On a day off, Ryan’s day is routine. Two cups of black coffee, a walk with his dog, eggs for breakfast, at least two podcasts, and sharing a meal and wine with family and friends in the evening.