09/02/2025
Michael Watts (He/Him) is the CEO and Co-Owner of Cocktail Caterers, an LGBTQ-certified boutique food and design catering company serving New York City and the Tri-state area for over 18 years. With a background spanning retail operations, brand development, and hospitality, Michael brings a rare mix of creativity, business strategy, and community leadership to every project.
Cocktail Caterers has become known for travel-inspired menus, seasonal ingredients, and stylish presentations that elevate weddings, cocktail parties, corporate gatherings, and private celebrations. Under Michael’s leadership, the company has earned rave reviews for blending flawless ex*****on with imaginative, globally inspired culinary design.
Michael’s career began in retail and operations leadership for brands including Warner Bros. Studio Store, FAO Schwarz, and the FDNY Fire Zone, where he honed skills in strategic planning, customer engagement, and team management. Those same skills now power his work in hospitality, where endorsements across event planning, marketing strategy, food & beverage, and leadership highlight his reputation as a trusted innovator.
A proud graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a BA in Advertising, Michael continues to merge storytelling and brand building into his approach to hospitality. He has also been a longtime member of the NGLCCNY, strengthening his role as an advocate for LGBTQ-owned businesses and inclusive entrepreneurship.
Colleagues describe him as professional, approachable, and fun — someone who mentors with generosity, leads with vision, and always ensures clients and guests walk away with a memorable experience.
