At Your Service: Roseina’s Gourmet Catering and Carry Out
Longstanding eatery keeps its focus on quality, community, and convenience
Alexandria, VA – Known as the jewel of Hollin Hall, Roseina’s Gourmet Catering and Carry Out is a unique eatery. Offering daily specials in addition to an all-day menu for lunch and dinner, Roseina’s feels like a classic deli, its hearty sandwiches accompanied by the iconic pickle and side of potato salad.
Roseina’s is also a gourmet caterer, with a wide variety of entrees, appetizers, salads, soups, quiches, dips and salsas, and desserts. The cuisine is a melange of American and European styles, with southern and coastal influences.
When Roseina’s first opened in 1997 (named after the original owner’s mother), the gourmet catering and carry out concept was considered a contemporary approach. In 2021, Sarai and Jose Navarrete became the third owners of the business in a legacy transfer, continuing the popular menu and service.
The Navarretes felt at home right away. “It’s the community here that makes such a difference. We were grateful for the warm welcome, and we appreciate the continued patronage. We love making good food for our regulars and for the new customers we see,” said Sarai.
Roseina’s provides gourmet catering for all of life’s events and celebrations: family parties and reunions, graduations, weddings and funerals, anniversaries, retirements, holiday gatherings, sports team dinners, neighborhood parties, etc. They also service business and corporate events, such as team building and staff retreats, sales meetings, product launches and promotions, grand openings, and so on.
Chances are you’ve been at an event where Roseina’s has been served. Hands down, the most popular item for both catering and carry out is Roseina’s jerk chicken and white sauce. In response to local demand, Roseina’s now sells the white sauce as a standalone condiment. Many have tried to re-create the delicious sauce, and Roseina’s has received plenty of requests for the recipe, but that is a well-kept secret.
Owner Sarai Navarrete understands the hard work and personal touch that people are looking for in their special events; her team prioritizes building relationships with the community. “Catering any event feels like a partnership for us,” she said. “We’re as eager as our customers are to have everything look beautiful and taste delicious. It’s our job to meet our customers’ needs, exceed their expectations, and help them realize their vision.”
A recent catering customer certainly appreciated those efforts, posting: “Everyone absolutely loved the food! The sliders were delicious. I don’t know what seasoning you use or the high quality of the beef but it tasted amazing. Everyone was just so complimentary about your food! Thank you so much for all your help and the delicious food.”
Roseina’s is a busy shop, and they consistently receive reviews like that. The website is updated daily with lunch and dinner specials, and customers come bounding through the door all day long. It’s the perfect spot to call ahead and order a delicious and nutritious lunch or dinner for pick-up, whether you’ve worked too late, you’re too busy juggling after-school schedules, or you’ve just had a long day and you don’t feel like cooking.
This reviewer sums up the overall appeal of Roseina’s: “This place was like an oasis… I got a delicious chicken wrap for a great price made with love and it truly revitalized me for my evening. I was even able to sit on a comfortable couch while I waited for my order to be complete, which did not take more than two minutes.”
Roseina’s is located at 1307 Shenandoah Road, in the Hollin Hall Village Shopping Center. They are open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 8pm. Mention The Zebra for 10% off daily special and menu items (excluding catering).
