Testimonials
Authentic feedback from real clients is the truest reflection of our work. We believe these testimonials provide valuable insights into the Haystack Catering experience and the personalized service we strive to provide for every occasion.
11/10 recommend! We couldn't have been happier with Haystack as our wedding caterer. From start to finish, Mark and Margaret were absolutely fantastic to work with—highly communicative, attentive, and truly dedicated to bringing our vision to life (plus, many recommendations from years of experience!). The tasting experience itself was so unique and memorable; it felt like having dinner at home with long-time friends, which made the planning process all the more special. On the big day, the food was phenomenal—every dish arrived hot, beautifully plated, and absolutely delicious. Their staff was equally wonderful, providing warm, responsive service that kept everything flowing smoothly. With tons of experience at our venue, The Inn at Manchester, they handled every detail seamlessly. If you're looking for an outstanding catering team, we couldn’t recommend Haystack more highly!
Kat + Garrett
We are excited to write this letter of recommendation for Haystack Catering! Aside from their incredible food and customer service, Mark and Margaret were simply a delight to have as a vendor at our rehearsal dinner and wedding.
My partner Sarah and I got married at the Inn at Manchester in Vermont in October 2021 and our guests still rave about Mark and Margaret’s dishes! We had a taco stand for our rehearsal dinner and had two people tell us they were the best tacos they’ve ever had. And, of course, all of our guests still rave about their signature, homemade cider donuts. Mark was even kind enough to grab me off the dancefloor to make sure I got one before the end of the night! It also shouldn’t go unnoticed that the entire Haystack staff was an all around lovely presence to have as a vendor on our big night. Many guests mentioned how friendly and warm their team was throughout the rehearsal and wedding nights. From their great food to their service-without-a-hitch the night of our wedding, we can’t say enough good things about Haystack!
Finally, Mark and Margaret were communicative and made us feel comfortable throughout the entire process. They were also helpful in offering great recommendations to meet various needs we had. Do yourself a favor and book Haystack for your wedding—you will not be disappointed!
Janine + Sarah
My husband and I had a tented wedding weekend in June 2017 at our family’s homes on Lake St. Catherine in Poultney, VT. Choosing The Barn Restaurant to cater both our rehearsal dinner and wedding reception was one of the best wedding planning decisions we made. Mark and Margaret went above and beyond to ensure both events were absolutely perfect.
The locations we chose for our cocktail hour and wedding reception were not logistically easy to serve and/or prepare food at. Mark met with us at the locations of our rehearsal dinner and wedding multiple times prior to the events to ensure he and his staff were well prepared. He provided expert recommendations to allow for the best flow of the evening from cocktail hour to reception. There was a beautiful table at the cocktail hour full of cheeses, fruits and breads along with delicious passed appetizer options. The excellent presentation of the buffets during both the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception were set up using smaller serving dishes that were visually appealing, always replenished and smashed the image of a traditional buffet.
In addition to Mark and Margaret providing top-notch service before, during, and after our wedding they also served the most exceptional food. We had more guests than we can count comment on how delicious the food was at both events. We still have cravings for the fries, roasted chicken and the strawberry shortcake!
Overall, it is without hesitation that we recommend The Barn Restaurant a thousand times over for any catering need. Their exceptional service, attention to detail and delicious food are true testaments to the great business that both Mark and Margaret run. You will be very satisfied with your decision to have The Barn Restaurant handle all of your catering needs. Thank you Mark and Margaret for making our wedding exceptional!
Greg + Jess
Weddings, even the simplest ones, involve a lot of details. However, above all other details, three areas emerge as the most important- the ones that can make or break the event.
1. The Bride’s Dress
2. The Music
3. The Food
On June 8th, Mark and Margaret McChesney, the owners of Haystack Catering, catered our daughter’s wedding at the Inn at Manchester in Vermont. On a scale of 1 to 10, they were a solid 10 in every area that matters.
From the initial tasting meeting six months before the wedding to the cutting of Margaret’s AMAZING and beautiful wedding cake, Haystack’s performance reflects Mark and Margaret’s lifelong commitment to producing great food and a stress-free event.
When you hire Haystack, Margaret is in the kitchen, managing a highly professional staff, and Mark directs the forward-facing dining room team. Mark was also available and responsive when planning the menu and making the many tweaks needed between the January tasting and the June event.
Every course of food, from the delicious, plentiful, and beautifully displayed appetizers served throughout the cocktail hour to the entrees and dessert, everything was delicious. Not delicious as a catered “wedding meal”, but restaurant-quality, great dining. Thank you, Margaret!
The highest compliment we can offer Mark and his staff is that throughout the entire event, they remained virtually invisible while smoothly and professionally delivering to each guest exactly what they had ordered. At every turn, I found the entire staff enthusiastic, polite and helpful.
Reflecting a team of kitchen, dining room, and support staff that have long worked together, the timing of the evening was flawless. Throughout the usual wedding logistics- picture-taking, cocktails, toasts, entrees, and dances—no one ever waited for food or service, yet no one ever felt rushed. Everything just happened at the right pace and time.
Without reservation, we enthusiastically recommend Haystack to anyone who wants great food, flawless service, and a stress-free event.”
Marti
Words can never express our family’s gratitude and thankfulness for Mark and Margaret McChensey’s superior service at our daughter’s wedding on Sept 21. From the very first consultation, their wedding expertise, amazing wisdom and culinary service far exceeded anything we could ever imagine.
We believe that if it wasn’t for their creativity, ingenuity, purpose for perfection, the wedding day of the century would not have been the most talked about event ever. Their advice on the tents, food, and florist made the wedding run smoother than we ever dreamed. We were relaxed the week before and being that we are from NJ and having a Vermont wedding that was unbelieveable. The wedding went off without a hitch.
They provided the elegance and set the stage with the spectacular display at the pre-reception. Over 190 people arrived and enjoyed the delicacies that were provided as well as taking in the beautiful mountain scenery. The center foliage display was magnificent. It amazes us how they paid such close attention to detail and listened intently to the heart of the bride. They took her ideas and expression and made them into a reality.
They were more than a caterer, providing so much more than our dollars could ever match. It was easy to communicate at all hours of the day with them. With that, they have our utmost respect and we love their zeal for life. Margaret and Mark’s heart to provide superior service is unmatched. This is what we had hoped for in having a Vermont wedding.
They are the standard in expert culinary service.
Pete + Carey
We had quite the spread for lunch today and everyone, including our grandkids, loved the leftover pork sliders! Thank you so much for a fabulous evening—you, Margaret and Chelsea were wonderful. It’s the first time I can ever recall throwing a party and not having to do anything except rearrange the furniture. Jim and I truly appreciate how you all made everything go so smoothly and the food was excellent! Thank you so much and happy new year!