Phillip Lin

At Amicis Catered Cuisine, we specialize in catering for corporate events, social gatherings, private parties, and weddings. Our services range from disposable drop-offs and elegant buffets to full-service plated dinners complete with bar service. Whether it’s a casual luncheon or a formal celebration, we tailor each experience to match the event’s style and needs.

We primarily serve Pinellas and Hillsborough County, but we’re happy to travel beyond that depending on the size and scope of the event. Our typical service area extends to about a 45-mile radius, though we do accommodate events farther out when possible.

After working in the tech world for companies like IBM, SAS, and Verizon, I never imagined I’d find my calling in catering. But when my mother passed away, I saw my father—once so full of life—become lost without her. Our family had owned a Chinese restaurant after immigrating from Taiwan, so the food industry was always close to home.

I explored restaurant ownership, but it was catering that truly caught my attention—offering the flexibility to serve during events while still building something meaningful. I purchased Catering By Design in Cary, NC, and over the years, have grown it into a trusted brand.

Expanding into Amicis Catered Cuisine was the next natural step. With an eye on the future, I believe catering businesses will become attractive to investors much like real estate once did. I’m building not just for today—but for a legacy that others may one day want to be part of.

What sets us apart is our experience, commitment to customer service, and long-standing team. At Catering By Design, many of our staff have been with us for 15–20+ years, and at Amicis Catered Cuisine, we’ve built the same foundation of loyalty and consistency. That longevity translates directly into the quality of our food and service—our clients know they can count on us every single time.

I often say most catering companies can handle 90% of the job, but it’s the last 10%—the attention to detail, the smooth execution, the personal touch—that truly elevates an event. Our reviews speak for themselves, and we take pride in delivering not just meals, but memorable experiences.

Our ideal client includes wedding and corporate event planners, venues, hotels, and companies looking for high-quality catering for their meetings, trainings, or special events. We also love working directly with brides and grooms to help bring their wedding vision to life. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large-scale event, we’re here for anyone—individual or organization—who values exceptional food and reliable service for their occasion.

Something that might surprise people is that I’m actually an actor—I’ve appeared in commercials, movies, and TV shows. It’s a creative outlet I really enjoy, and now I’m even considering branching into stand-up comedy. It’s definitely a different world from catering, but both require great timing and knowing how to connect with an audience!

I spend a lot of time working, so I joke that I’m a pretty boring person—but I do have some fun side ventures! In addition to owning catering businesses, I also own a professional indoor soccer team (Fayetteville Fury) and previously owned two summer collegiate baseball teams. I’ve also written and published two children’s books as well as a biography about my own journey. Whether it’s through food, sports, or storytelling, I’m passionate about building meaningful experiences and lasting connections.

I typically meet with other vendors at Amicis Catered Cuisine, since it’s convenient and gives us a chance to discuss details in a comfortable setting. That said, I really enjoy doing site visits at venues—it’s a great way to see the layout firsthand, get inspired, and better understand how everything will flow on the day of the event.

I’m not really a physical gift type of person—I’m pretty low-key and don’t like to be the center of attention. The greatest gift someone can give me is simply letting me know that my team did a great job at their event. That kind of feedback means everything to me. It reassures me that we’re on the right path and making the impact we strive for.

In my downtime, I enjoy watching YouTube to learn new skills and stay curious. Lately, I’ve been using AI to create new songs, which has been a really fun and creative outlet for me. I love exploring how technology can be used in unexpected and artistic ways.