Martin and Debi Testa
Owners of Testa Catering
Martin is fourth generational born and raised on the Central Coast. His career started out in produce, first helping his father with their Sonny Boy Carrots packaging plant and later on to harvesting for Bunny Luv Carrots. The long days, sometimes challenging conditions and managing a large work force was a good background to start his career as a caterer. Martin developed his passion into a career. Preparing and serving fine food and teaching others around the bbq pit quickly grew as more people requested his services. Testa Catering grew from catering for family and friends to catering the largest events on the Central Coast.
Martin attended Hancock College and Bakersfield College. The opportunity to work with many interesting chefs, taking culinary classes, and attending industry training in his early years gave Martin the experience to venture out on different types of menus and event venues.
Martin has always been involved with the local community. He was President of the Boys & Girls Club, Santa Maria Chamber board member, Santa Maria Chamber business person of the year, Voted best entrepreneur by the Santa Maria Sun in 2012, Current member of Breakfast Rotary and past president of Rotary plus numerous other organizations.
Quote from Martin:
“Catering has been a great experience while raising our children and had provided us with the opportunity to meet many interesting people and see some beautiful places. With, 3 grown kids and 7 grandkids, when we're not on the road catering we are enjoying our family and traveling.”
Martin@TestaCatering.com
Debi was born in Chicago to Dr. Dave and Sandy Carty. One of six children, they lived and travelled to many states while their father was a flight surgeon in the US Air Force. They settled in the Santa Maria Valley where her father opened his medical practice. Debi attended Allan Hancock College and Cal State Bakersfield, receiving her bachelor's degree in nursing. After more than 20 years as a critical care nurse and later as her father's ob/gyn nurse, she joined Martin in the restaurant, deli and catering. They owned Dino's Deli, Fine Wine & Spirits and Testa's Bistro, where their business quadrupled. They hosted many winemaker dinners and enjoyed the talents of many local musicians, while serving up an impressive and exciting menu. They've enjoyed and learned from the many experienced chefs that have been involved with their business. Their customers have become their friends. They sold Dino's a few years ago as catering was becoming increasingly busier.
Martin and Debi have three children, Eric, Michael and Michele, who attended Cal Poly, SLO, graduating with degrees in computer engineering, business and viticulture. They enjoy helping out catering when their schedules permit. All married with infants, Kennedy, Jackson and Reagan!
Debi sits on the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce Board, Saint Joseph High School Community Board. She is involved in charitable organizations such as the YMCA and Knights, Wines & Roses. They enjoy catering many of the fine, local nonprofit organizations here in Santa Maria and the Central Coast. They cater the annual dinners for the Boy's & Girl's Club, YMCA, Special Olympics, and St. Joe's.
When not catering, Debi enjoys hiking, camping, boating, performing arts, fine wine and fine food.
Debi@TestaCatering.com