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Carolina Personal Chef & Small Event Caterer

Farm-to-Table cooking for everyday meals and special occasions.

hand sprinkling seasonings

Fresh Take Table is more than a food service. It’s a mission to make fresh North Carolina ingredients a regular part of your table and special occasions.

See how we’re making local eating work for busy schedules while supporting our local producers.

Learn about our ‘Local First’ Mission >

Personal Chef Carl Welch Jr standing at a dinner table

Meet the Chef

Carl Welch Jr

Chef Carl has been cooking professionally for nearly thirty years. Now he’s stepping away from commercial kitchens to make his own connection with the food of his home state ~ and make you dinner.

“You can’t manufacture what our parents and grandparents did with food. If you know, you know.”

About Chef Carl >

We specialize in:

Table Partner Service

roasted vegetables in a cast iron pot

As a Table Partner, you choose three or five weekly farm-to-table dinners from Chef Carl’s seasonal menu—ideal for busy households, around the Triangle area, who want to eat well without living in the grocery store.

sliced vegetables layered in a frying pan
dinner party table with decorations

Small Event Catering

Chef-prepared, locally sourced menus for intimate gatherings of 2–50 guests wherever you’re celebrating in North Carolina.

Celebrations & Milestones

  • Micro-weddings & anniversaries

  • Showers & engagement dinners

Private & Social Dining

  • Intimate dinners for two

  • Social clubs & mom groups

Faith, Community & Retreats

  • Church & ministry events

  • Retreats & workshops

Seasonal & Outdoor Gatherings

  • Brunches and game-day catering

  • Picnics, barbecues and vacation cooking

hor d'oeuvres tray with three tiers of appetizers
Chef Carl Welch smiling on the front porch of a country house

In support of our local food community, Chef Carl collaborates with North Carolina event planners, content creators, independent lodging, and intimate venues.

  • Jasmine S. (Raleigh, NC)

    "Wonderful experience for the hubby and I! Great conversation and the food was fresh and seasoned to perfection. We will definitely be booking him again!"

  • Chef Carl prepping food on a kitchen counter

  • large pot of fresh green beans cooking over a stove

  • Jessica H. (Youngsville, NC)

    “Carl came to our home and cooked a delicious meal for my family! It was a nice break for me not having to cook and it was fun too! We had a blast! Would definitely recommend.”

  • Stuffed chickens prepped on a sheet pan

  • String lights hanging from trees in a yard

  • Katina W. (Carrboro, NC)

    “Intimate birthday dinners are the best! Professional is the word. Excellent is the presentation. A nice break from having to plan the food part of the evening. If you want delicious food. Fresh Take Table is recommended!”

  • macaroni and cheese appetizers on a platter

  • Tri-colored cauliflower heads on a platter

  • Everette & Niya H. (Knightdale, NC)

    “We hired Fresh Take Table to prepare an untraditional Thanksgiving Dinner. The food was amazing! The smoked salmon and cabbage were so flavorful and fresh. Chef Carl truly has a passion for cooking and enjoys watching the exciting expressions as you taste his prepared meals. You will not be disappointed when you hire him!”

  • crab cake and deep fried grits with lemon wedges on a plate

  • salmon rolls on a serving board

braised chicken leg with collard greens and sweet potato wedges on a plate

A short note about North Carolina food, seasonal cooking, and local sourcing—delivered bi-weekly.

tri-colored cauliflower heads on a platter

THE SIDEBAR highlights

  • Chef Carl Welch Jr standing at a kitchen counter with a large head of kale on a cutting board

    Welcome to THE SIDEBAR

    North Carolina ingredients, seasonal cooking, and making local food work for busy weeks and intimate gatherings.

    Start here