HISTORY
The Oldest Operating Catering Company in Washington State
Twelve Baskets Catering began as a labor of love and a passion for healthy, wholesome food. Founded in December 1976 by John Bagge and Pete Talbott (Until 1985), the restaurant started as a cozy 36-seat eatery on Old Main Street in downtown Bellevue, WA. With a commitment to quality and innovation. Our dedication to health, service, and community was reflected in our pioneering efforts, such as being the first non-smoking restaurant in Washington state and one of the earliest to embrace recycling.
Over the 48 years, Twelve Baskets Catering has served between 3 and 4 million meals for people from all walks of life, including Hollywood actors, rock bands such as Heart, and famous movie directors. Today, Twelve Baskets Catering operates exclusively as an off-premise catering service, continuing to exceed client expectations with innovative and high-quality culinary experiences. Our journey has been marked by a commitment to the Golden Rule, a dedication to healthy living, and an unwavering passion for hospitality.
In 2023, the Bagge family passed the torch to Jim Brinton, Founder & CEO of Evergreen Refreshments and a well-respected leader in the local food service industry. With a strong history of innovation and support for regional culinary ventures, Jim brings renewed energy and vision to Twelve Baskets. He is deeply committed to carrying forward the foundation the Bagge built while guiding the company into its next chapter. Under his direction, Twelve Baskets continues to honor its heritage and pursue new avenues of creativity and excellence. As we look toward the future, we are proud to carry forward a tradition built on service, creativity, and heartfelt hospitality, continuing to bring people together, one meal at a time.