By: Amanda Huntsman

Since 2016, The Hardware House Kitchen (THHK) has been bringing people together with exceptional food and personalized service that feels like family. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Angela Samuels and Wesley Minichiello, THHK started as a dream to combine their passion for great food, community and hospitality. After leaving their previous careers to pursue their shared love for cooking and events, Angela and Wes began their journey by offering custom catering and event services to Southern California. Almost a decade later, THHK has expanded into a full-fledged hospitality group, adding Sweet Sage Baking Co., a wedding cake and dessert bakery, and Enjoy Yoga, a community and event space, to their growing portfolio.

A Passion for Culinary Excellence

At the heart of The Hardware House Kitchen is a commitment to crafting incredible food and unforgettable experiences. Angela and Wes use their combined expertise to offer a wide range of services, from private cooking classes to grand weddings. The business is focused on creating unique, personalized events that align with the tastes and dreams of their clients, no matter the occasion—be it a birthday, shower, wedding, or corporate gathering. They’ve become a trusted partner for local venues and vendors, helping to execute flawless events with great food, beautiful setups and exceptional service.

The couple’s culinary approach is deeply rooted in the flavors of Coastal California with Italian influences, using fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. Every dish, whether it’s a hand-tossed pizza, freshly made pasta, or a decadent dessert, is prepared with attention to detail and love. And it’s not just about how the food tastes—it’s about how it looks. Angela and Wes have created a reputation for food that is as visually stunning as it is delicious, from garden-grown flowers and herbs adorning every dish to the meticulous presentation that adds a touch of elegance to any event.

A Business Built on Family and Community

Family and community are foundational to what Angela and Wes have built at The Hardware House Kitchen. Their philosophy is simple: every gathering is unique and deserves to be treated with care and attention. For them, it’s not just about serving a meal—it’s about creating an experience that makes people feel welcomed, cared for, and celebrated. Their motto, “service that feels like family, because it is family,” captures the essence of what THHK strives to offer at every event.

Both Angela and Wes are proud Orange County natives—Wesley grew up in Tustin and Newport, while Angela is from Villa Park. Having lived in Costa Mesa for the past 10 years, they have a deep love for the region’s food scene, natural beauty and culture. Their connection to the community is apparent in the way they do business: they prioritize local collaborations and love working with fellow creatives, brands and local organizations to bring unforgettable experiences to life.

One of the ways THHK gives back is through their ongoing partnership with the Orangewood Foundation, an organization that supports foster youth. Angela and Wes regularly cook for the foundation’s events and encourage others to contribute in any way they can. They also support local schools and charities by donating to fundraising efforts, helping to make a positive impact in their community.

Attention to Detail: What Sets Them Apart

While great food is the cornerstone of The Hardware House Kitchen, it’s the little details that truly set them apart. Whether it’s the scratch-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, or the custom-designed wedding cakes from Sweet Sage Baking Co., every element is crafted with care. Beyond the food, THHK prides itself on its impeccable service, ensuring that every event is executed flawlessly—from the setup to the cleanup.

Angela and Wes’s approach to events is deeply rooted in their belief that nothing matters more than the details. Their service team is known for enhancing the energy of any gathering, ensuring that guests feel valued and taken care of throughout the event. It’s not just about providing food—it’s about creating an atmosphere where guests can relax, enjoy, and feel like they’re part of something special.

In addition to their catering services, THHK is known for offering unique experiences like cooking classes, which are perfect for everything from birthday parties to team-building exercises. Their hands-on approach allows participants to learn new skills while enjoying delicious food in a relaxed and fun environment.

Growing and Expanding

In less than 10 years, The Hardware House Kitchen has gone from offering small intimate dinners and cooking classes to catering large-scale weddings and corporate events. THHK has worked with notable brands like Speedo, Ooni, Best Buy, Zsupply, and Orangewood Foundation, helping to bring their food vision to life in collaboration with local and international companies.

Looking to the future, Angela and Wes are excited to expand their business further. One of their most ambitious goals is to open their very first physical restaurant and venue space, allowing them to serve the community daily. After years of creating culinary magic in people’s homes and with partner venues, they can’t wait to open a permanent location where they can continue to offer their signature hospitality and exceptional cuisine. They invite anyone interested in staying up to date on their future space to sign up for their email list at The Hardware House Kitchen.

Life Beyond the Kitchen

When Angela and Wes aren’t working, they’re spending time with their two young children, Sage (5) and Matteo (3), who are both in preschool at the ENC Preschool. For Angela, a relaxing yoga class at her studio, Enjoy Yoga, is the perfect way to unwind. Wes often spends his free time surfing or golfing. As a family, they love to travel and explore the central coast of California, always seeking new culinary adventures and inspiration for their work.

In their busy lives, the couple never loses sight of the importance of family. This focus on family is reflected not only in their personal lives but in the way they approach their business. They understand that every event is an opportunity to make lasting memories and to treat their clients like part of their own extended family.

A Grateful Heart

Angela and Wes are deeply grateful for the trust and support they’ve received from the community over the years. “Thank you!” they say to all their clients, partners, and friends who have spread the word and helped them grow. They know that their success is a direct result of the incredible people they’ve had the pleasure of working with, and they can’t wait to continue creating exceptional culinary experiences for years to come.

If you’re planning an event—whether it’s a wedding, a corporate gathering, or a family celebration—The Hardware House Kitchen is here to help bring your vision to life. With a focus on quality, service and community, they ensure every event is not just a meal but a celebration to remember.

Be sure to check out their sister companies, Sweet Sage Baking Co. for delicious cakes and desserts, or Enjoy Yoga for a peaceful community space. And stay tuned for updates on their upcoming restaurant and venue space!

For more information, visit The Hardware House Kitchen, reach out via email at events@thehardwarehousekitchen.com, or call 949-514-4654.

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