Quote:
Originally Posted by barbara-ann
Indydebi,
I was just wondering how you got started in the catering business and how long have you been catering?
Barbara
20-some years ago, I offered a good friend: "If you let me practice on you, I'll do the food for your wedding."
It was very simple....all finger foods: veggie trays, fruits, mini ham and turkey sandwiches. Looking back, I really had some nerve calling myself a "caterer".
When I say I've done this off and on for 20+ years, it's because I "shut down" the business for awhile. I still did cakes once in a while. But you know .... divorce, marriage, kids .... kinda crimps your style a little!
A few years ago, we resurrected the biz and just started doing "real" food - hot foods like you see on my menus. My daughter had worked in a cafeteria in high school and she showed me a few tricks of the trade in high volume food prep and food transport. I've always loved to cook and to entertain. Simple as it sounds, we "just did it" (as Nike would say). I researched other caterers websites to see what kind of menus they had (why re-invent the wheel?).
I contacted Sysco, GFS, and other suppliers. I observed other caterers on events when I did the cake-only and picked up some tips from them. I learned from the caterers who were happy to share their knowledge and experiences with me, and because of that I've tried to do the same .... sharing what I've learned with others who are coming up behind me. It's part of how I 'give back'.
I've learned SO MUCH from this site and all of the very talented, smart and knowledgeable people on here. It's part of why I'm so wordy (so see? If you're sick of hearing from me, then it's all y'all's fault for being so helpful to me when I first found you!)
It just snowballed. I am constantly amazed at how fast this had grown and exploded and I am always grateful and never take it for granted.
I cant' go into it now, but a new opportunity has practically fallen in my lap in the last few weeks and we are working on a new venture that is very promising. I hope (!) to be able to share some very good news with everyone very soon on this.
I honestly believe that we have been very blessed because I dont' chase every dollar, but I chase every bride's dream to have a nice reception. I give back, I share. As blessed as I've been, I believe God would be very upset with me if I didn't share my blessings with others.
I am very fortunate to be able to make a living doing something I absolutely love.
My secret ingredient is the love and the passion!!
BEST OF LUCK!!!!
