What a wild and wonderful ride this has been! When we first learned that Vibrant Occasions had been named finalists in not just one, but TWO categories for AY Magazine’s Best of 2025 contest, we were honestly speechless. To be recognized alongside Arkansas’s top businesses in both “Best of Catering” and “Best Place to Work” felt like such an incredible honor.
But then something even more amazing happened – you, our incredible community, voted us to the very top for Best Caterer!
The Journey to Recognition
The whole process started back in January with nominations, and we have to admit, we didn’t even know we’d been nominated until we got that exciting call from AY Magazine. Can you imagine? Somewhere out there, someone thought enough of what we do to put our name forward. That alone was enough to make our day – our year, really!
From there, the voting period ran from February through March, and honestly, we were blown away by the support. Hundreds of thousands of votes poured in across Arkansas, and knowing that so many of you took the time to vote for us? That’s something we’ll never forget.
What This Really Means to Us
When we started this journey back in 2002, we had big dreams but honestly had no idea where this path would take us. We just knew we loved creating beautiful food experiences and making people happy. To now be recognized as Arkansas’s Best Caterer by the readers of AY Magazine feels surreal.
But here’s what makes this even more special – we were also finalists for “Best Place to Work.” That recognition means everything to us because it validates what we’ve been working so hard to build: a company culture that truly puts our team first.
Our Heart Leadership Journey
A few years ago, we attended the Make It Better Everyday (MIBE) conference in Denver, and it completely changed how we think about running a business. We came back and implemented our MIVE culture club – “Make It Vibrant Everyday” – because we realized that taking care of our team isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential to everything else we want to accomplish.
Our core values of growth, innovation, balance, awesomeness, and integrity aren’t just words on a wall. They guide every decision we make, from how we treat each other to how we serve our clients. And apparently, it shows! Our 7.6% turnover rate over the past four years speaks volumes about the environment we’ve created together.
The Celebration at Rusty Tractor
The AY’s Best of 2025 Winner’s Party at Rusty Tractor Vineyards was absolutely magical. Getting to celebrate alongside other incredible Arkansas businesses reminded us just how fortunate we are to be part of such an amazing community. Our team members who attended had the time of their lives, and seeing everyone’s excitement and pride was honestly the best part of the whole experience.
There’s something so special about celebrating achievements with the people who made them possible. Our team doesn’t just work for Vibrant Occasions – they ARE Vibrant Occasions. Every single person who contributed to this recognition deserves to share in this moment.
What’s Next for Us
This recognition isn’t an endpoint…it’s fuel for what comes next. We’re more committed than ever to pushing the boundaries of what catering can be in Arkansas. Whether we’re creating a once-in-a-lifetime wedding reception or bringing our mobile kitchen to a corporate event, we want every single interaction to reflect the heart and passion that earned us this recognition.
We’re also excited to keep sharing our heart leadership journey with other businesses. From our recent presentation at the Bryant Chamber to our upcoming session with the Little Rock Regional Chamber, we love connecting with other business leaders who believe that putting people first isn’t just good for the soul – it’s good for business too.
Our Gratitude Runs Deep
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who voted, supported, and trusted us to be part of your most meaningful moments. Thank you to our incredible team who brings their whole selves to work every day. Thank you to our clients who have become like family over the years. And thank you to AY Magazine for creating a platform that celebrates Arkansas businesses doing things the right way.
Every dish we create is made with love, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. This recognition means the world to our team, and we promise to keep earning your trust every single day.
Here’s to more unforgettable events, shared plates, and vibrant celebrations ahead! The best is yet to come.
With love and gratitude,
Chef Serge and Mary Krikorian
The Entire Vibrant Occasions Family