Ideas for creatively serving up this comforting, popular meal By Connie Jeske Crane Some decades ago, South Carolina-based chef and food writer Belinda Smith-Sullivan started her work life as a flight attendant based out of New York. “Back then we were called ‘stewardesses,’ just to give you an idea how long ago that was,” she says with a chuckle. It was then, in … [Read more...] about The Brunch Buzz
Business Tips
Forget the Numbers, Keep the Clients
Strategies for connecting with your customers in the COVID-19 era and beyond By Darryl Brisebois, Mackasey Howard Communications All industries have been changed by COVID-19. Every owner in the market has lost sleep, planned for a bad quarter, then planned for another. With gatherings capped and events canceled, the catering industry is among the countless sectors facing … [Read more...] about Forget the Numbers, Keep the Clients
Long Live Greek Cuisine
Cooking show host Diane Kochilas educates an international audience on Greek food’s history, variety and health benefits By Sara Perez Webber With roots on the Greek island of Ikaria, Diane Kochilas knows first-hand the health benefits of a Greek diet. Ikaria is one of five global Blue Zones—identified by author Dan Buettner as a region where people live longer, … [Read more...] about Long Live Greek Cuisine
Back to Business
For its first full-service wedding post-COVID-19, Thomas Caterers of Distinction employed extensive protocols to keep guests and staff safe By Sara Perez Webber CATERER: Thomas Caterers of Distinction • thomascaterers.com VENUE: Black Iris Estate • blackirisestate.com EVENT DETAILS: On June 5, Indianapolis-based Thomas Caterers of Distinction catered its first … [Read more...] about Back to Business
Tech to the Rescue
As the “new normal” presents new challenges, companies are employing technology to offer solutions By Sara Perez Webber Let’s face it—the business plans you made for 2020 have long been abandoned. No one could have foreseen the COVID-19 crisis or its dramatic impact on the industry. So you may have felt that you didn’t have the necessary tools to meet the challenges that … [Read more...] about Tech to the Rescue
Transition to Takeout
Products that will enhance presentation and packaging as many caterers focus their operations on pickup and delivery In March, many caterers had to swiftly transition to a pickup and delivery model, as required social distancing due to COVID-19 resulted in a mass cancellation of events. Adapting to a new mode of business requires new products. Catering Magazine asked the … [Read more...] about Transition to Takeout
Insurance in the Age of COVID-19
By Don Scaramastra COVID-19 continues to blaze its fearful path across our country, while government stay-at-home mandates and prohibitions on even the smallest gatherings have brought the catering business to a standstill, forcing the closure of kitchens as well as dining and meeting spaces. While there is talk of “re-opening” the economy, it’s unclear whether businesses … [Read more...] about Insurance in the Age of COVID-19
Weathering the Storm (Part 2)
How seasoned caterers are facing the COVID-19 crisis By Sara Perez Webber 2020 wasn’t supposed to be this way. The COVID-19 crisis and the resulting devastation in the industry have waylaid all the plans catering companies may have had for the year. Yet even while they’ve had to make tough, emotional decisions, caterers are responding to the times with characteristic … [Read more...] about Weathering the Storm (Part 2)
Weathering the Storm (Part 1)
How seasoned caterers are facing the COVID-19 crisis By Sara Perez Webber 2020 wasn’t supposed to be this way. The COVID-19 crisis and the resulting devastation in the industry have waylaid all the plans catering companies may have had for the year. Yet even while they’ve had to make tough, emotional decisions, caterers are responding to the times with characteristic … [Read more...] about Weathering the Storm (Part 1)
Understanding COVID-19 Relief Options
Pay attention to the loans, grants, credits and deferrals available for your catering business—and position yourself for future programs By Gerri Detweiler By now, most small businesses fall in one of two categories: those who got COVID relief loans and those who didn’t. Whichever group you fall into, you’ll want to understand what happens next and explore other … [Read more...] about Understanding COVID-19 Relief Options
