Hospitality Business Review: Specials Magazine

Cultural identity has always been the pulse of events. From the vibrant archways of Indian weddings to the minimalist grace of Japanese ceremonies, clients expect every celebration to tell a story woven with tradition and personal expression. Event planners may be plentiful, but those who can create events truly rooted in cultural values are rare. Michael Burris is the latter. An elite luxury event planner of cultural distinction, Burris has carved a unique place in the hospitality industry. Over his 40 years as an African American business leader, he has had a front row seat to the industry’s evolution. His journey began in Boston, managing staffing for a catering firm where he witnessed firsthand how cultural authenticity often gets lost behind the glitz and glamor of events. That experience sparked a fire in him. “Clients pour their heart, soul and savings into their events. Yet, they are often told how their event must run in order to fit a venue’s standard service model. That’s not a celebration, that’s a compromise,” says Burris. “I wanted to change that.” In 2015, he founded MB Enterprises, a company built on inclusion, artistry and deep respect for clients’ heritage and vision. What he’s accomplished since is nothing short of transformative. Under Burris’ leadership, MB Enterprises has blossomed into an elite, full-service event powerhouse that moves seamlessly between worlds, from fusion weddings that bring different cultures together to contemporary Black-tie galas and corporate events infused with soul. Within the first year of operation, Burris transformed 80 celebrations, earning a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and seamless execution. The secret behind this success is carefully listening to the needs of his diverse clientele. Whether it is an event for the King of Qatar or a Midwestern family, Burris always brings his A-Game. For him, hospitality isn’t about service; it’s about giving form to emotion and voice to culture. Orchestrating Every Detail with Precision MB Enterprises’ expertise spans every facet of the event’s execution—curated catering, professional staffing, premium rentals and bespoke bartending. By bringing all these elements under one roof, the company eliminates the chaos of coordinating multiple vendors and the associated costs. This full-service approach has earned MB Enterprises the reputation of a one-stop shop. From grand marquees to the smallest details on the dinner table, MB Enterprises owns every piece of equipment needed to bring an event to life. Its expansive inventory includes top-of-the-line tents, tables, chairs, linens, glassware, silverware and buffet serviceware. For components beyond the company’s inventory, like photography, lighting and DJs, Burris leverages his long-standing relationships with trusted vendors, integrating these services into a cohesive, high-quality experience. “Our capability to address every logistical and creative need of clients in-house allows us to keep costs competitive and deliver exceptional value,” says Burris. “We often waive taxes and delivery fees or provide key items at no additional charge, helping clients achieve their vision without compromise.” Catering menus are as diverse as the cultures MB Enterprises serves. As a licensed caterer, Burris offers 14 curated menus with an emphasis on ethnic cuisines, including Indian, Nigerian and Persian specialties. Dishes are customized to suit clients’ personal tastes. For events requiring specialized culinary expertise, Burris goes out of his way to source the right chefs, guaranteeing authenticity. Complementing the company’s culinary diversity, six fully outfitted portable bars allow for versatile and stylish beverage stations tailored to any theme or preference.

Real food, real people, and a belief that every meal deserves personal attention. These were the humble beginnings of the present-day hospitality brand, Cloud9 Corporate Catering. Originally known as Cricket Catering, the company earned its reputation dish by dish, building a loyal client base that valued authenticity, reliability, and taste. As new opportunities emerged, it introduced two specialist brand concepts: The Mighty Greek and Nomad BBQ, each designed to expand its culinary reach and serve a distinct need. Soon, it became clear that clients weren’t just booking food; they were booking trust, flexibility, and an effortless experience. Fueled by this realization, Cloud9 Corporate Catering was launched as a unified brand that exemplifies the company’s full capabilities while preserving the individuality of its sub-brands. “While others see catering as a transaction, we see it as an extension of our client’s brand,” says Drew Blanckenberg, Managing Director. “The name Cloud9 reflects how we see our role. We don’t aim for good enough; we aim to lift the experience for the client, their guests, and our team by anticipating needs and adapting fast.” Built for the Corporate World Today, Cloud9 delivers end-to-end hospitality solutions tailored to every corporate need. Its offerings are expansive and refined—from full-service event catering and gourmet boxed meals to wellness-driven menus, seasonal activations, and on-site micro cafés. Every detail is managed in-house to ensure consistency, control, and unmatched service. For Cloud9, eliminating uncertainty in the catering process is essential. Whether it’s a boardroom lunch or a staff milestone event, the team understands what’s at stake and ensures executional excellence. Every culinary item is rigorously aligned with the initial promise and the quality experienced during tastings, eliminating discrepancies between expectation and reality. That consistency and level of service are what set Cloud9 apart. From custom dietary requirements to last-minute changes, flexibility and follow-through are non-negotiable. Every order is prepared fresh, with work often beginning before dawn to preserve flavor and serve dishes at the perfect temperature. As workplaces continue to evolve, food has become more than a perk; it’s a powerful way to support employee well-being, connection, and company culture. Cloud9’s menus are designed to nourish as well as delight, offering balanced, energizing meals that support focus, morale, and inclusion. From plant-based options to low-carb or comfort food classics, Cloud9 helps companies reflect care and thoughtfulness through every bite and sip..