My Chef Catering serves events of all sizes
Q: Tell us about My Chef Catering.
A: My Chef Catering was founded in 1989 by Bill and Karen Garlough. In the beginning, My Chef was a gourmet deli and kitchen focusing on small social events and corporate luncheons. During the 1990s and early 2000s My Chef grew into a full service catering company. Our focus shifted from small social events to larger weddings and special events. In 2016, a group of employees purchased My Chef from Bill and Karen bringing the company into a new era. Today, My Chef continues to be one of the largest and most respected caters in the western suburbs of Chicago.
Q: Tell us one interesting fact about My Chef Catering that most people may not know?
A: My Chef has an official government holiday in the city of Naperville. In 2007, My Chef won the small business of the year award, easily the most impressive award My Chef has ever been given. Former Naperville Mayor Pradel made July 24 "My Chef Catering Day" honoring the accomplishments and acclaim My Chef brought to the city. The signed plaque still hangs in my office today.
Q: How does My Chef Catering cater to corporate events, meetings, picnics and lunches?
A: Every event is different and each client desires tailored service. Our sales team is trained to understand the unique features each client wants at their event and we do our best to bring that to them. We offer simple box lunches to elaborate festivals to our corporate clients.
Our professional team of uniformed wait staff, bartenders, event planners and chefs all work together to orchestrate a variety of events.
Q: What are business people in your industry talking about?
A: Industry leaders in the catering field are talking a lot about industrial and rustic venues. Venues that formerly served a purpose that have been converted into an event space. In 2017 it's apparent that couples want a venue that is memorable, themed, but offers a real edge. For example, The Haight in Elgin is a converted warehouse space with exposed brick, timber wood floors and Emerson Creek in Oswego offers a converted barn with an outdoor patio, fire pits and tearoom. This is what people want in 2017.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself. What is your past experience in the industry?
A: (Dominick Scafidi) I was born into the food industry as my father owned many restaurants in the Chicagoland area. I continued to learn about food service and earn a degree in hospitality. I strive to remain current by attending trade shows such as CaterSource and the Special Events Show to offer our clients cutting edge food, event ideas, and service. I'm passionate about this industry as each event is creatively designed and tailored uniquely to each client's requests. I welcome challenges.
A: (Mark Walter) I grew up cooking with my parents and grandparents. I love cooking for friends and family as well. After college, I worked for Zealous Catering in Elk Grove.
Then I started working for My Chef and fell in love with catering. I have been ever since.
A: (Meghan Rousonelos) I graduated from Augustana College in 2002. Prior to working at My Chef I worked at a CPA firm. The hours were long and the work was tough. I decided I needed a job that would allow me to raise a family.
I found My Chef in 2004 and started working there at the age of 23. From the start I enjoyed the flexibility of the business.
My Chef Catering
Address: 2772 Golfview Drive, Naperville Illinois
Phone: (630) 717-1167
Owners: Dominick Scafidi, Mark Walter, Megan Rousonelos.
Number of employees: 50-100
When business opened: 1989
Web address: www.mychef.com
Twitter: twitter.com/MyChefCatering1
Facebook: facebook.com/MyChefCateringEvents/
Instagram: instagram.com/mychefcateringevents/?hl=en