Catering teams need room to organize, prepare, and work close to the event space. Here at Old Bethany in Lorena, our spacious prep kitchen gives caterers a dedicated workspace inside our 6,500-square-foot air-conditioned white barn while guests enjoy the rest of our 100-acre property.
Old Bethany is a Central Texas event venue in Lorena, about 20 minutes from Waco and between Austin and Dallas on I-35. Its prep kitchen, inside a 6,500-square-foot white barn, includes a commercial refrigerator, stand-up warmer, ice maker, triple sink, and stainless steel prep tables. Groups can also use the 3,600-square-foot Grand Room, covered patio, and Turf Lawn, along with 40 tables and 700 chairs. It suits corporate retreats and private events.
Planning a corporate retreat or another Central Texas event requires attention to the details behind the scenes. Our venue is centrally located between Austin and Dallas on the I35 corridor, about 20 minutes from Waco, with easy access off Interstate 35. Caterers can work from one property while planners use the Grand Room, covered patio, Turf Lawn, and other available spaces.
A Practical Catering Setup Inside a Central Texas Event Venue
Having dedicated prep space helps catering teams stay organized while meetings and retreat activities continue elsewhere on the property. We also have great relationships with excellent caterers. This helps planners have a starting point when considering food service for a corporate retreat or private event. Our kitchen provides useful equipment and workspace while each catering team manages its own service plans.
Keeping Catering Close to the Event
Our prep kitchen is located inside the barn near the Grand Room and other interior spaces. Catering teams can stay close to the main event area while guests and vendors use the surrounding spaces. The Grand Room includes 3,600 square feet, 35-foot ceilings, an all-white interior, large windows, and five sets of French doors.
Our barn also includes a foyer, office space, and balcony overlooking the main area. Multiple spaces across the property allow planners to organize different parts of an event in one location.

Supporting Catering Teams With Useful Features
A spacious prep kitchen gives caterers access to practical equipment throughout the event day. Our commercial refrigerator, stand-up warmer, ice maker, triple sink, and stainless steel prep tables provide a dedicated place for food preparation and service needs. Our property also includes a covered patio, Turf Lawn, indoor event areas, and outdoor event options. Corporate groups can use these spaces together while staying on the same property.
Event Spaces That Support Planning
Food service is one part of a larger event plan. We provide 40 tables, including 20 round 60-inch tables and 20 rectangular 8-foot tables. Our venue also includes 350 indoor cross-back chairs and 350 outdoor white garden chairs. Linens are available as an add-on.
Our 6,500-square-foot barn works alongside the covered patio and Turf Lawn, giving planners different areas to consider when organizing meetings, retreats, or gatherings. The 100-acre property also gives groups space to experience nature between indoor sessions.
A Helpful Setting for Corporate Retreats
Corporate retreats often require spaces that support both focused work and time for connection. Our Grand Room, prep kitchen, covered patio, Turf Lawn, tables, and chairs create a practical setup for groups planning an event in Central Texas.
Our location between Austin and Dallas on the I35 corridor makes travel planning easier for many regional groups. Nearby lodging options are also available for guests and event parties. The rural setting offers a different option from enclosed and formal hotel meeting rooms.
Conclusion
At Old Bethany, our spacious prep kitchen supports the catering teams working behind each event. Caterers have access to useful equipment, while planners can use our Grand Room, covered patio, Turf Lawn, tables, and chairs throughout the property. We would love to show you how our spaces work together for your next corporate retreat or event in Central Texas. Contact us to ask questions, check availability, or begin planning your gathering.
FAQs
What equipment is available in the spacious prep kitchen?
Our kitchen includes a commercial refrigerator, stand-up warmer, triple sink, ice maker, and stainless steel prep tables.
Does Old Bethany require a specific vendor list?
No required vendor list is needed. A preferred vendor list is available after booking, and we have great relationships with excellent caterers.
What tables and chairs are available for events?
Our venue has 40 tables, including 20 round tables and 20 rectangular tables, along with 350 indoor cross-back chairs and 350 outdoor white garden chairs. Linens are available as an add-on.
How can we ask about hosting a corporate event?
Visit our Contact page to ask questions, check availability, or start planning your Central Texas event.