Puff ‘n Stuff Named Exclusive Caterer for Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Aquarium special and private events will offer custom menus

CLEARWATER, FL (April 24, 2025) — Puff ‘n Stuff Catering, a leader in full-service wedding and corporate catering, has been named as the exclusive caterer for Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA). With more than 40 years of providing culinary excellence for Florida’s most prestigious weddings and corporate events, Puff ‘n Stuff is proud to bring its high level of service and expertise to this iconic marine conservation facility.

Puff ‘n Stuff Catering stands out through its deep-rooted passion for creating unforgettable experiences — not just meals. They’re known for their ability to bring exceptional hospitality, culinary creativity and seamless execution to every event—whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large-scale gala.

As part of this exclusive agreement, Puff ‘n Stuff will oversee hospitality and food and beverage services for the aquarium’s popular Shark Bites Café, as well as all private events hosted at the facility, including weddings, galas, social events and birthday parties. Their first month will include catering CMA’s prestigious AquaGala on April 26.

“At Puff ‘n Stuff Catering, we believe in creating meaningful experiences that go beyond the plate,” said Tracy Vessillo, President of Puff ‘n Stuff Catering. “Our partnership with Clearwater Marine Aquarium allows us to align our passion for hospitality with a cause that inspires, educates and uplifts the Florida community.”

“Clearwater Marine Aquarium has always aimed to be one of the top local destinations for events such as weddings, corporate gatherings and galas. Partnering with Puff ‘n Stuff Catering ensures that our clients can expect a professionally managed event with the highest attention to detail,” said Joe Handy, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. “We are excited to have this locally connected caterer as our trusted partner.”

To stay ahead of trends, Puff ‘n Stuff staff attends conferences around the world and belong to many catering associations. They are proud to have been selected by The Leading Caterers of America, an elite group of award-winning and highly creative trendsetters.

In addition, they have won the following awards:

Best of Weddings Hall of Fame, The Knot
Best Caterer, Orlando Magazine
Couple’s Choice Award, Wedding Wire
Best Catered Event, BizBash Event Style Awards
ACE Award Winner, Catersource
Caterer of the Year, Tampa Bay NACE
Catering Professional of the Year and Best Off-Premise Catered Event,

Orlando WOW Awards

To inquire about event services at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, please visit https://www.cmaquarium.org/plan-event/ or contact Taylor Super at (516) 960-8623 or tsuper@cmaquarium.org.

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Media Contact: Marsha Strickhouser | mstrickhouser@CMAquarium.org | (727) 242-0770

Jen Fields | jen.fields@columbuszoo.org | (614) 645-3579

About Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working marine rescue center dedicated to inspiring the human spirit through leadership in education, research, rescue, rehabilitation and release. With a mission to preserve the environment and its marine life, CMA is home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, a nurse shark and more. Through Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, CMA conducts important global research focused on protecting manatees, North Atlantic right whales and sea turtles. Major motion picture Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014) features the true stories of rescued resident dolphins Winter and Hope, inspiring millions around the world. The mission and potential to change people’s lives differentiates Clearwater Marine Aquarium from any other aquarium in the world.

We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.

A Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization