Catering with a Cause: Inside Citizens Catering’s Mission
Citizens Catering is more than just a food and beverage service; it’s a mission-driven enterprise rooted in community, compassion, and creativity. Founded by Kyle Buthod, Citizens has grown from one vintage truck into a multifaceted catering and coffee company that blends hospitality with heartfelt purpose.
Buthod’s journey to founding Citizens is as diverse and varied as the Citizens’ menu. Originally from Kansas City, Kyle graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in International Business and minors in Chinese Language and International Studies. His career path led him through various industries, including oil, coffee, media, and ministry. After moving to Houston in 2012, he co-founded a coffee bar, Caféza, an early demonstration of his love for food and service. He later worked with Every Village, an NGO focused on drilling clean water wells in South Sudan, and the Seed Company, a global Bible translation ministry. These experiences cultivated a passion for community engagement, laying the foundation for Citizens Catering.
The heart of Citizens was, for a long time, a beautifully restored 1948 Chevy farm truck, originally used to haul farm equipment and later converted by a Michigan-based church to serve the homeless. After a journey through various owners and locations, the truck found its home in Houston in 2020. Kyle and a team of skilled artisans transformed it into a mobile café, offering freshly roasted coffee, acai bowls, popsicles, and more. This truck symbolizes the company’s commitment to repurposing and revitalizing, much like its mission to serve and uplift the community. From humble beginning, Citizens began with that truck and eventually grew into a brick and mortar location in Conroe.
The Citizens team embodies a culture of service and camaraderie. From project managers to event producers, each member is committed to creating exceptional experiences for clients while fostering a supportive work environment. The company’s ethos is built around the principle of serving others, both within the team and in the broader community.
Citizens Catering operates with a clear mission: to support local communities and causes through its culinary services. A portion of its sales supports organizations like The Vine, a nonprofit in Uganda focused on empowering women, children’s education, and orphaned infant care. Additionally, Citizens backs Rooted Conferences, weekend experiences aimed at connecting college students to local church congregations and resources. These initiatives reflect the company’s dedication to making a tangible impact both locally and globally.
As the next chapter in its mission, Citizens recently partnered with The Salvation Army to further its community outreach. The Salvation Army has a history of collaborating with local businesses to provide meals and support to those in need, especially during times of crisis. Such partnerships are instrumental in addressing food insecurity and providing relief to vulnerable populations.
As Citizens Catering continues to grow, its focus remains on blending culinary excellence with community service. Through its unique offerings and partnerships, the company exemplifies how businesses can thrive while making a positive impact. For more information or to book their services, visit their website at citizenscatering.com.
