Name of business: Perez Picnics & Platters

Type of business: Mobile picnic catering

Location: Turlock and surrounding Central Valley; @perezpicnics on Instagram

Hours: By appointment

Contact information: 209-252-1606; perezpicnics@gmail.com

Specialty: Stress-free luxury

History of business:

Influencers and entertainers in search of an Instagram worthy get-together need look no further than a Turlock business that’s putting a luxurious spin on the age-old picnic. 

Perez Picnics & Platters can turn any setting from drab to fab, whether it's a park in town or your own backyard. Turlock resident and Pitman High School graduate Viviana Padilla recently launched her new business endeavor at the beginning of March, offering sophisticated ground-level parties for up to 20 people.

“I had been wanting to start this for a little over a year after I threw my first girls night picnic for friends in December of 2019 and had such a blast,” Padilla said. “Then, I noticed picnics were starting to become popular in big cities, so I thought it would be nice to have something similar in the Central Valley.”

Themed picnics are available for any occasion, from birthday parties and baby showers to anniversaries and bridal celebrations. Padilla has even seen customers throw a picnic just for fun. Picnic participants are always welcome to bring any additional food or drink they’d like to add to the already-provided options, and Perez Picnics & Platters prides itself on affordable prices. 

The business is currently offering a special for the month of May: the “Mommy & Me Package,” which costs $160 for up to four people and includes a two-hour picnic with setup and breakdown, a teepee with cushions, a tea set, a donut wall, games, water, juice and fruit. Additional attendees can be added for $10 per person up to six people. 

Padilla enjoys providing a place for the community to not only have fun with loved ones, but to get outside during a year which has seen many spending more time indoors.

“I feel like these picnics have become more popular due to COVID. Since people have been stuck at home for so long, I’ve noticed a lot more outdoor activities,” she said. “I guess people are appreciating the outdoors a lot more, and I know that has been the case for myself.”