Our Story
The Collective Chef & Catering is a Toledo-based private chef and full-service catering company serving Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. We create custom menus from scratch, designed to elevate weddings, corporate events, and intimate gatherings.
Led by an experienced culinary team, we focus on thoughtful execution, quality ingredients, and seamless service — delivering restaurant-level cuisine with a personalized touch.
Exceptional food. Unforgettable experiences.
Meet The Chef
Marcus Hartford
Born and raised in Toledo, Chef Marcus Hartford is the visionary behind The Collective’s signature culinary experiences. He refined his craft in Columbus, earning his degree in Culinary Arts and Applied Sciences from the Columbus Culinary Institute, laying the foundation for over 15 years of fine dining and elevated catering experience.
His journey has taken him through kitchens in Ann Arbor, Columbus, Toledo, and Chicago, with each city shaping his style and deepening his culinary perspective before he ultimately returned to where it all began, bringing that experience home to Toledo.
A two-time Best Chef of Toledo, Marcus is known for his elevated approach to comfort cuisine, seamlessly blending familiarity with sophistication. His range spans authentic street-style Mexican to classic Italian and French, all executed with precision, intention, and artistry.
From intimate private dining to curated large-scale events, Chef Marcus creates refined, immersive experiences defined by warmth, detail, and unforgettable flavor, where every moment is elevated yet still feels like home.
Locally Sourced
We source fresh ingredients from Northwest Ohio farms and suppliers whenever possible.
Local producer or vendor? Let’s partner — reach out to connect.
