3 Friends With A Food Dream Launch Catering Company In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Three longtime family friends bonded over their shared passion for food and decided to turn it into a thriving new catering food business in Bridgewater.

Alex Henao of Bridgewater and married couple Luz and Johann Stratthus of Lamberville opened Bright Thyme Catering at 81 Old York Road in the Bradley Gardens section of Bridgewater Township.

The idea came about in 2020 when they launched a rental mobile kitchen business called Bright Side Services. People could rent a food truck for events to use as their mobile kitchen. This grew to the friends expanding to offer two food trucks.

They then decided to expand their business even further based on their experience and background.

Johann Stratthus was a Head Chef at another catering business, Luz Stratthus was a catering manager, and Henao, who has worked for the Bridgewater-Raritan school district for more than 25 years with the Buildings and Ground Department and is a long-time Bridgewater resident, would handle the logistical side.

Henao found the location and they took the plunge to open their catering food service in Bridgewater while still offering the mobile kitchen business as well.

Since opening in November 2023, they catered small intimate events up to large corporate events with 2,000 guests.

"We thought it would slow but really we are very busy," said Henao.

The friends credit their success to their focus on quality of food and customer service.

"Service is our first impression. Followed by really good food," said Luz Stratthus to Patch, who noted that after COVID she noticed a lack of customer service in the food industry as a whole.

"We train our staff so that everyone can experience the same level of service," said Luz Stratthus. "We want everyone to feel comfortable and for our staff to have a kind smile."

Bright Thyme Catering's menu is internationally inspired with strong roots in Latin American and European food.

"Johan and I are from Venezuela and Alex is from Columbia. Johan's family is from Germany and their recipes have been passed down," said Luz Stratthus. "He made me Goulash one day and it made me cry because it tasted just like his grandma's. He pays a lot of attention to every detail. He really cooks from love."

While they have their specialties on the menu, Bright Thyme will sit down with clients to customize their menu to try and offer any requests.

Along with corporate events, they will cater events such as baby showers, graduations, bridal showers, anniversaries, weddings, and more. From a party of 8 people to hundreds, Bright Thyme will do its best to accommodate clients.

"If you give us your idea and what you are looking to spend, we can create something," said Luz Stratthus.

Catering services can include delivery and setting up food on chafers or also providing servers at the event. Food trucks are also available.

Overall, all three friends are "grateful to be here in America and have the opportunity to grow and share our food."

For more information visit brightthyme.com, Facebook or instagram.com/bright_thyme_catering.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.