At Marrar Kitchen & Co, Michele Seymour and Rhiannon James have crafted a culinary experience that blends high-end dining with the warmth of regional hospitality. Offering gourmet catering for events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large-scale weddings and corporate functions, they bring restaurant-quality food to any location, near or far.

More than just a catering service, Marrar Kitchen & Co features a charming café and storefront, where visitors can enjoy house-made delights, fresh local produce, and seasonally inspired dishes. They also host exclusive dine-in evenings, showcasing beautifully curated buffets, carefully crafted menus and dining experiences that rival the best city restaurants.

Known for their attention to detail and tailored menus, Michele and Rhiannon ensure every event is personalised to suit both vision and budget—without compromising on quality. Whether it’s a luxurious long-table feast under the stars, a corporate function, or an elegant wedding reception, their expertise guarantees an unforgettable dining experience.

Marrar Kitchen & Co was born from a long-standing collaboration between Michele and Rhiannon, whose combined talents and shared passion for exceptional food led them to take over Marrar Café in 2021, transforming it into the thriving business it is today.

With over 30 years in the hospitality industry, Michele Seymour has built a reputation as one of regional NSW’s most respected and sought-after caterers, Michele Seymour Catering. From humble beginnings in her home kitchen, she grew her business into a thriving catering operation, serving events across the country—from Geelong to Penrith and everywhere in between. Her expertise, attention to detail, and ability to create unforgettable dining experiences have made her a trusted name in catering.

Michele has catered countless weddings, corporate functions, milestone celebrations, and intimate gatherings, bringing her signature blend of quality, creativity, and warmth to every event. She has an unparalleled memory for people, places, and events, recalling details of weddings and special occasions from years ago—a testament to the care she puts into each event she caters. Despite working hundreds of events, Michele believes that catering isn’t just about food—it’s about bringing people together and creating moments that last a lifetime.

In 2021, after years of seasonal collaboration with Rhiannon James, Michele saw an opportunity to take her business to the next level. She invited Rhiannon to partner with her, and together, they transformed Marrar Café into Marrar Kitchen & Co, expanding their services to include a café, high-end catering, and an exclusive event space, RJ’s. Today, Marrar Kitchen & Co is known for its exceptional menus, innovative dining experiences, and ability to cater events both large and small, near and far.

Michele often says she needs to slow down, but her passion, dedication, and love for hospitality keep her moving forward. A mother and grandmother, she has sacrificed countless weekends and late nights to build a business she is proud of. With a wealth of knowledge in the catering world, she thrives on the challenge of turning any vision into reality—because for Michele, nothing is impossible. Whether serving a beautiful buffet, an intimate dinner, or an elaborate wedding feast, she ensures that every event is flawless, memorable, and deeply personal.

From a young age, Rhiannon was drawn to the kitchen, watching her mother cook and developing a natural instinct for flavours and ingredients. Her passion for food led her to start working alongside Michele Seymour at just 11 years old, setting the foundation for what would become a remarkable culinary career. By 17, her talent was already recognised—she was one of only four students in the Riverina awarded an Australian Vocational Student Award for Commercial Cookery, cementing her path in the hospitality industry.

After high school, Rhiannon moved to Perth to pursue her career, quickly securing an apprenticeship at an Italian restaurant. Over the next decade, she worked in high-end pubs, fine dining restaurants, and luxury catering venues, refining her skills and developing an expertise in gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan fine dining. Training alongside Korean and Indian chefs, she learned to blend international flavours with classical European techniques, shaping her unique culinary style. In 2018, her talent was recognised when she became a finalist for Western Australia’s Best Head Chef award.

Despite her success, Rhiannon faced unexpected challenges when she battled meningococcal twice, requiring brain surgery. The procedure severed nerves that affected her sense of taste and smell, a devastating blow for any chef. But rather than stepping away, she adapted, relying on instinct, experience, and memory to continue creating exceptional food.

In 2020, a surprise visit home turned into a life-changing moment. COVID-19 lockdowns left her with a choice: return to Perth or stay. She chose to stay and naturally fell back into the kitchen with Michele, rekindling their partnership. When restrictions lifted, Michele saw an opportunity—offering Rhiannon a business partnership, leading to the birth of Marrar Kitchen & Co in 2021.

Today, Rhiannon is the Head Chef of Marrar Kitchen & Co, overseeing a thriving café, a team of 15 staff, and a fleet of catering vehicles servicing events across NSW. She is passionate about using fresh, local ingredients, growing her own produce, and creating homemade preserves, sauces, and specialty salts. Beyond the kitchen, she enjoys spending time with her chickens, dogs, and cats, and dreams of one day hosting cooking classes and themed dining events.

With her resilience, creativity, and commitment to regional dining, Rhiannon continues to push the boundaries of fine dining in rural Australia. Whether in the café, at an event, or creating a bespoke menu, she proves that exceptional food and hospitality have no postcode—only passion.