Lion Chef Africa, a Yakima catering company, recently acquired Cascade Garden, a nearly five-acre venue in the West Valley area that has hosted weddings and events for decades.
Cascade Garden, 5704 W. Washington Ave., was built as a nursery by Jay Wolfe, later owned by Pam and Francis McSharry, and most recently Wes and Eileen Weresch. It was purchased March 31 by Lion Chef owner Gilbert Kalombo and his wife, Beth.
“The first time I visited the property in 2017 to pick up rentals, I fell in love with it,” Gilbert stated in a news release. “I asked the Wereschs to call me if they ever wanted to sell. Nine years later, that dream has come true.
“We’re excited to build on the legacy of previous owners and take Cascade Garden to the next level by expanding its culinary options and community impact,” he added.
The Kalombos launched Lion Chef Africa in 2023 after Gilbert had been cooking professionally since 2017. The business offers catering, private dining, pop-ups and immersive cooking classes, blending the flavors of Africa with Yakima Valley farm-fresh produce.
Cascade Garden features several distinctive spaces, the Kalombos said, including a stone lodge with old-growth beams and granite hearth fireplace, a brick-paved ceremony site with a greenery-covered archway, a whimsical cantina bar, and a pergola-covered lawn. Unique areas such as a hidden sunken garden and wisteria-covered shade house offer one-of-a-kind experiences for guests and photographers, they added.
The Kalombos said they envision Cascade Garden as a hub for community gatherings, nonprofit fundraisers, mid-week corporate events, private dinners and seasonal culinary experiences.
Private tours of Cascade Garden are now available by appointment, with bookings underway for the 2026—27 wedding season. To schedule a tour, contact 509-388-4074 or info@cascade-garden.com.
The Current highlights business news throughout Yakima County. Send your information to business reporter Joel Donofrio at jdonofrio@yakimaherald.com or call 509-759-7851.
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