Atlasta Catering is more than a culinary powerhouse redefining what catering can be; it’s a beacon of sustainability and community engagement. Since its inception, Atlasta has been guided by an ethos that combines innovation, environmental stewardship and commitment to tackling food insecurity. By blending a restaurant-quality dining experience with a zero-landfill philosophy, Atlasta has crafted not just meals but meaningful change in the community.
Fifteen years ago, Atlasta embarked on a journey to eliminate landfill waste across its operations. What began as an ambitious goal evolved into a logistical triumph that took six years to achieve. For the past nine years, the company has been operating as a zero-landfill business. From rethinking waste streams to finding innovative ways to repurpose food waste, every aspect of Atlasta’s operations reflects a sustainability-first mindset. This includes diverting food waste to composting initiatives and supporting local not-for-slaughter animal farms, along with donating more than one million pounds of food — equivalent to 600,000 meals — to those in need.
At the heart of Atlasta’s efforts is a partnership with Waste Not, a local nonprofit committed to alleviating food insecurity. Through this collaboration, Atlasta ensures that surplus food is repurposed to feed thousands of food-insecure individuals each year. Rosa Hernandez, communications and engagement manager for Waste Not, emphasizes the impact of this partnership: “Atlasta has been an incredible long-term partner of ours, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication and generosity. Their support not only helps us feed thousands each year, but their advocacy for our mission in the community has been invaluable. Through their leadership and commitment, Atlasta has enabled us to serve more neighbors in need while raising awareness of the work we do.”
This commitment extends beyond food donations. Atlasta’s sustainability lens informs everything from sourcing ingredients to energy use and workplace culture. Its philosophy rests on the principle that sustainability is not a static achievement but a continuous process requiring ongoing attention and innovation. For Atlasta, every decision — big or small — must align with its values and contribute to a greater purpose.
Atlasta’s purpose-driven approach stems from a realization during the 2008 economic downturn. As the hospitality industry faced mounting challenges, Atlasta found an opportunity to align its operations with its core belief: that businesses have both the ability and responsibility to create meaningful change. Sustainability became the vehicle through which Atlasta could extend its impact, integrating environmentally conscious practices with community-driven initiatives.
Beyond waste diversion, Atlasta supports organizations dedicated to teaching children about food origins and sustainability. This holistic approach ensures that the company’s impact is felt not only in the present but also in shaping a more informed and engaged future generation.
Internally, Atlasta fosters a culture where sustainability isn’t just a company mandate but a shared value. Employees take pride in knowing their work contributes to a larger mission, from crafting menus that celebrate intrinsic flavors to finding innovative ways to minimize waste. This alignment of purpose and practice boosts morale and underscores the company’s belief that every individual decision can create ripples of positive change.
Atlasta’s efforts exemplify the power of combining business acumen with a philanthropic heart. By marrying exceptional culinary experiences with a commitment to sustainability and community service, Atlasta has set a standard for what hospitality businesses can achieve when they embrace their potential to drive meaningful impact.
In a world where customers demand transparency and authenticity, Atlasta rises to the occasion, proving that greenwashing has no place in today’s landscape. Instead, it leads by example, demonstrating that sustainability and business success are not mutually exclusive but deeply interconnected.
For Atlasta, the journey is far from over. Its leadership views sustainability as an ongoing challenge and opportunity, one that inspires constant innovation and reinforces the belief that large-scale hospitality businesses can — and must — be catalysts for change. Through its dedication to eliminating food waste, supporting community needs and fostering a culture of sustainability, Atlasta Catering continues to nourish not just its clients but the world around it.
Every plate it serves tells a story of commitment, innovation, and care, leaving an indelible mark on the community and setting the table for a brighter, more sustainable future.
Waste Not: Fighting Hunger with Dignity
Waste Not is a Phoenix-based nonprofit tackling food insecurity by redistributing surplus food to those in need. Since 2001, it has partnered with local businesses like Atlasta Catering to collect quality, surplus meals and deliver them to food banks, shelters and community organizations. Unlike traditional food donations, Waste Not ensures meals are nutritious and thoughtfully prepared, preserving the dignity of recipients. In 2022, the organization distributed more than 2 million pounds of food, impacting 80,000 individuals.
Tyler Butler, a trailblazer in ESG and corporate citizenship, has led Fortune 500 sustainability programs, contributed to two IPOs and founded Collaboration for Good. With degrees from ASU, Boston College and Cornell, she writes for top publications and serves as head of Public Affairs for Phoenix Rising FC.
Photo courtesy of Atlasta Catering
