Catering in Benson NC - Meet Mad Hatters Delights on Main Street

Walk down Main Street in Benson and you'll find the kind of businesses that make a small town feel like home. One of them is Mad Hatters Delights, a family-run catering and grab-and-go spot at 206 East Main Street. If you've been searching for catering in Benson NC, or just a really good meal made by someone who knows your name, this is a stop worth making.

Chef Roger Paxton (center) celebrates the Mad Hatters Delights ribbon cutting at 206 East Main Street.

Meet Chef Roger Paxton

Mad Hatters Delights is led by Roger Paxton, a chef whose résumé would impress anyone in the Triangle food scene. Roger once cooked at Raleigh's renowned Angus Barn, one of North Carolina's most celebrated restaurants, and his catering career has taken him to some unforgettable tables. He has had the honor of cooking for Dolly Parton, as well as a Vice President and members of Congress.

But ask Roger what matters most, and the answer comes back to community. He's been part of the Dunn area for more than 25 years, and when the chance came to open on Main Street in Benson, he took it. Mad Hatters Delights opened its doors in 2026, and it's a true family affair. Roger runs the kitchen alongside his mom, Audrey, who helps keep the whole operation running. His son, Wolfgang, works the front counter and cooks right beside his dad, and his sister, Angie, is the creative mind behind the shop's one-of-a-kind menu designs.

What's in a name?

If you've ever wondered about the name, it fits Roger perfectly. In his words: "We wanted something fun and whimsical that showed my crazy personality. So we thought of Alice in Wonderland and all the crazy characters in it, and Mad Hatters Delights was born." That playful spirit shows up everywhere, from the menus to the welcome you get at the counter.

Why Main Street Benson Feels Like Home

For Roger and his family, Benson's small-town atmosphere is the whole point. This is a place where neighbors look out for each other, local businesses send customers to one another, and people still stop to chat on the sidewalk. That spirit fits right in with the rest of downtown, from the shops and sweet treats along Main Street to the crowds that pour in every September for Mule Days.

It's also exactly the kind of thing buyers tell me they're looking for when they consider a move to Johnston County: a real downtown, with real people behind the counter.

The Daily Grab-and-Go Lunch Locals Love

You don't need an event to enjoy Roger's cooking. Mad Hatters Delights draws locals in every day for its grab-and-go lunches, and it's quickly become a weekday habit for people who live and work around downtown Benson.

The menu changes week to week, and it's posted every Sunday on the Mad Hatters Delights Facebook page, so follow along to see what's cooking before Monday rolls around.

If you only try one thing, make it the crowd favorite: their Poppers with homemade buffalo sauce. It's the dish regulars keep coming back for.

A grab-and-go lunch plate: street tacos with corn slaw and fresh fruit.

A peek at the weekly menu

Roger has fun with his menus. Each day of the week gets its own theme, and the dishes go well beyond a basic sandwich: think street tacos, po' boys, loaded cheesesteaks, and enchiladas. Here's one of his recent weekly lineups. Sandwiches come with chips or Italian pasta salad, and you can also order through DoorDash.

A recent weekly lunch menu. Check Facebook every Sunday for the latest.

Scratch-Made Catering for Up to 200 Guests

Everything on the Mad Hatters Delights catering menu is made from scratch with fresh ingredients. That's not just a nice touch. It means the kitchen can adjust dishes for food allergies and special requests, which is a big relief if you're feeding a crowd with different needs.

With more than 30 years of combined experience and a personal chef on the team, they can handle gatherings of up to 200 guests. Their menus cover a lot of ground:

Holiday Catering in Benson, NC

With Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, now's the time to plan ahead. Whether you're hosting family, throwing an office party, or simply don't want to spend the whole holiday in the kitchen, Mad Hatters Delights has seasonal menus ready to go.

Holiday spots fill up fast, so don't wait. Call Mad Hatters Delights at 910.658.3302 to talk through your menu and reserve your date with Roger.

Supporting the Businesses That Make Benson Home

Places like Mad Hatters Delights are a big reason people fall in love with Benson. When you pick up lunch on Main Street or book a local caterer for your next gathering, you're helping keep that small-town spirit alive. Stop in, say hello to Roger, and tell him Annette sent you.