Our Story

Northern Nola (NN) Catering Company is owned and operated by Kris Butler. Based in Rochester, NY, Northern Nola offers a wide range of American-inspired dishes; but our signature and specialty is authentic New Orleans cuisine.

Kris was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Spending her first 21 years as a New Orleanian, she ultimately relocated to Rochester, NY. Her love and passion for cooking did not start out as such. In fact, cooking was birthed out of necessity. As a 15-year-old single mother of two, she had "mouths to feed". Kris was conscious about the food she prepared for her children. She wanted their meals to be homemade, as healthy as possible, and HEARTY; sustenance that would stick to their bones. Breakfast typically consisted of oatmeal, pancakes (which she now makes from scratch), grits & eggs, and home-style biscuits. Lunch and dinner are where the cuisine that Northern Nola is known for was cultivated. Signature dishes such as Red Beans & Rice, Jambalaya, Miss Tina's Seafood Gumbo, Homemade Mac and Cheese, and other Cajun comfort foods are a staple at Northern Nola.

Kris' expertise as a Serve Safe certified caterer and skillset was also inspired in part by having a mother who made everything from scratch. She studied her mother's methods and recipes in order to perfect them and make them her own. After nearly 3 decades of honing her culinary skills, Northern Nola Meals and Catering was launched in 2020. "From my hands to your heart (and stomach, LOL)", may you experience the love and passion I have for cooking in every bite.