BEST CATERER

Nelson’s Catering

3005 Great Northern Rd., 787-9443 The patented “Port-a-Pit” cooker may well have given Nelson’s a slight edge in this very fierce competition. Invented by company namesake Nelson Gongwer in 1967, the Port-a-Pit creates freshly barbecued and basted cuisine on site to the delight and watering mouths of hungry event attendees throughout the central Illinois region. Runners-up: Hamilton’s and 5 Flavors