Our Story

Welcome to Red Lemon Catering, where food is more than just a meal–it's a way to bring people together and give everyone a seat at the table.

Our founder, Vinny Gallo, has always had a passion for cooking. Raised with deep Italian and Sicilian roots, Vinny’s experience from a young age was one where food was the centerpiece of every gathering, and ensuring everyone was well-fed was a longstanding and respected tradition.

His mission is to make everyone feel welcome at his table, crafting dishes that cater to a variety of dietary needs, from vegetarians and vegans to those who are gluten- and dairy-free.

Vinny's journey into the culinary world began with his desire to share comforting, home-cooked meals with everyone, something he realized even as a young adult. An old story told by his college friends regales Vinny’s habit of missing group meetings on Sundays due to, as he incredulously explained—

Vinny has also been perfecting his Thanksgiving dinners for extended family for years—tweaking it for the vegetarians, vegans, and gluten- and dairy-free folks he loves.

This dedication to nourishment, inclusivity, and good food made from fresh, local ingredients is at the heart of Red Lemon Catering.

Staying close to home in his culinary pursuits is also essential to Vinny. The local produce around Syracuse, New York is exceptional, and we are committed to supporting our community by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and suppliers.

At Red Lemon Catering, we are excited to share our family traditions with you. Vinny’s passion for cooking and his love for the community come together to create a catering experience that is warm, welcoming—and hands-down delicious.

Join us at the table and become part of our extended family!

The name Red Lemon reflects both Vinny’s family values and the unique inspiration behind his culinary creations.

When Vinny’s son was very young, the family shared a special bond over picture books The Red Lemon by Bob Staake and Lemons are Not Red by Laura Vaccaro Seeger—both with very different viewpoints about the unique red fruit.

At the same time these stories offered up lessons about the contradictions of the world, they captivated Vinny’s and his son’s imaginations and sparked a sense of wonder and creativity that Vinny wanted to infuse into his business.

Most of the history of the red lemon fruit itself is unknown, with only a few sources acknowledging that the pigmented lemons were being grown in Italy around the 17th century.

Known for its vibrant color and sweet, less acidic flavor, this uncommon fruit mirrors Vinny's approach to cooking–combining age-old Italian roots with a fresh, innovative twist—a blend of familiar comfort and exciting new tastes.

Additionally, Vinny’s family visits to Italy with his partner and children, where he has explored his Italian roots, spent time with Italian relatives, and gained inspiration, further solidify the connection between the name Red Lemon and the authentic, heartfelt cuisine he brings to your table.