Jay and Lynn Roberson, owners of Capers Comfort Foods, have accepted positions as the executive chef and catering director for the Pelham Civic Complex.

“Providing this level of service will be a tremendous benefit to anyone looking to host a function at one of Pelham’s facilities,” Mayor Don Murphy said. “Our goal is to make things easy and flexible for our clients. Bringing catering services in-house opens possibilities for people to hold events at the Pelham Civic Complex, Ballantrae Golf Club or the Pelham Racquet Club without being hampered by budget restrictions.”

The City Council voted Aug. 3 to end the complex’s contract with Cullinard, while also voting Aug. 17 to end Ballantrae’s contract with Cullinard.

“We want to bring food in every capacity to the community and to promote Pelham for being so forward thinking in this endeavor. We’re so proud to be working with the city,” said Lynn.

Her husband agreed.

“We’re excited about having a larger kitchen from which to work and the opportunities we’ll have with the city,” Jay said.

The Robersons will not only provide catering for Pelham’s in-house facilities, but will also offer off-premise catering for groups and special events.

Pelham Marketing Director Eva Shepherd believes having control over all aspects of a function held at a city facility will enable employees to provide first-rate customer service.

“We can have everyone involved at the table from the very beginning to help plan an event,” said Shepherd. “We can be flexible in order to make a function work within a customer’s price range.”

Ballantrae General Manager Butch Byrd also said he believes the Robersons will bring a new dynamic to catering at city facilities.

“I’ve been around food service my entire career. From my first meeting with the Robersons, I recognized their unique talents in providing great service and outstanding food,” Byrd said. “They have an extreme interest in pleasing customers. All of Pelham will benefit from this relationship.”