About the Owner
Chef Joe Roberson
Owner & Executive Chef, Palat Catering
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Chef Joe Roberson, Owner and Executive Chef of Palat Catering, brings more than four decades of culinary excellence to the table. Raised in Milwaukee, he began his journey as a dishwasher at Grenadiers Restaurant before training under European Chef Knut Apitz and working his way up to Executive Chef. With 44 years of experience—38 in some of the city’s finest restaurants and 6 as a successful business owner—Chef Roberson has mastered the art of blending French culture with traditional American influences, creating flavorful masterpieces that reflect both sophistication and heart. His career has taken him from Milwaukee to international stages, including guest chef appearances in Switzerland, California, and even alongside the legendary Julia Child.
Beyond his extensive résumé, Chef Roberson is driven by a mission to make food both memorable and meaningful. His passion for heart-healthy cooking grew from serving as a personal chef for over two decades to Dr. Kailas Rao, a quadruple bypass heart patient, inspiring him to craft menus that nourish as much as they delight.
Today, through Palat Catering, Chef Roberson and his wife Cynthia are dedicated to offering exquisite, fresh, and globally inspired cuisine. Their commitment to quality, culture, and community makes every event not just a meal, but a luxury dining experience tailored to each guest’s needs.
“Where elegance, experience, and passion meet on every plate.”
44+ Years Experience
From Grenadiers to global culinary stages
Award-Winning Chef
Featured with Julia Child & honored by the American Culinary Federation
Heart-Healthy Focus
Inspired by decades of personal chef experience
Culture-Driven – Empowering our team, elevating our guests
Our Mission & Values
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Life is Sweeter with an
Healthy Heart
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At Palat Catering, our mission is to create extraordinary dining experiences rooted in freshness, culture, and care. Every dish is prepared with locally sourced, organic, non-GMO ingredients, crafted from scratch for unmatched quality and flavor.
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We believe our team is our greatest ingredient. By valuing and empowering employees, building strong systems, and maintaining the highest standards of service, we ensure every event is seamless, memorable, and infused with excellence. Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a corporate celebration, or a grand gala, our focus is always on delivering unforgettable moments through food.
