Pirogues Catering is owned and operated by Jim and Dorothy Tipton. Pirogues opened for business in January 2005.  Pirogues is also the onsite exclusive caterer  for the Highland conference center in Mitchell, SD which opened in Dec of 2007.

Jim Tipton was born and raised along the Gulf coast of Louisiana.  Jim spent his early years in central Texas where he learned the art of Texas BBQ.  Jim began his cooking career at the age of 12 working for his father in his restaurant which was located 50 miles from the French Quarter in New  Orleans. Through his now 40 plus years in the industry, Jim has trained under many professional chefs along the way in many different types of restaurants from down home southern cooking to high end restaurants before opening his own business.  Jim specializes in smoked meats, seafood, southern and creole cuisine.

Dorothy Tipton was born and raised in SD. Dorothy first started cooking with her mom on their family farm. Dorothy has over 30 years now in the industry, working in many different types of restaurants as well. Dorothy specializes in midwestern style cooking and baking.

 Jim and Dorothy met while attending  the U.S. Quartermaster School at Ft Dix New Jersey. They started their passion for cooking together soon after completing the culinary training with  the military in 1984.

They have 5 children and 10 grandchildren.  All of Jim and Dorothy’s children have helped and been involved with the family business over the years. 

MEET THE MANAGEMENT TEAM

Andy Tipton, son  has been employed with the company since 2005 and is the General Manager at the Highland Conference center location in Mitchell SD.   Andy's passion for cooking started when he was young, watching his mom and dad cook. His first cooking jobs consisted of tagging along with his dad to the various restaurants his father ran during Andy's childhood. Most of the time Andy was there to help with dishes and odd jobs, but that didnt stop Andy from paying close attention to what his Dad was doing on the Chef line during dinner rush. Andy loves to create new menu items for special occasions such as weddings and the annual Avera Gala.   Andy specializes in new menu creations, new food trends, sauces, texas style bbq and creole cuisine.

Andy and his wife Lyndsay live in Mitchell.