New owners see smooth transition at My Chef Catering

An interview with Dominick Scafidi, CEO of My Chef Catering.

Q: How did the business start and grow?

A: My Chef Catering was founded by Bill and Karen Garlough in 1989. The business began as a 4,500 square foot gourmet deli and kitchen, catering simple social events and corporate breakfasts and luncheons. The catering business grew to a 14,000 square foot facility featuring a state-of-the-art kitchen, offices, conference rooms, tasting rooms, and a warehouse for catering rental items and equipment.

My Chef Catering has become one of the largest and most respected caterers in the Chicago suburbs and works with more than 850 corporate clients and thousands of social customers every year. Our company excels at social catering and as an example, caters 200 weddings a year. Overall, My Chef caters 3,000 social and corporate events a year.

Q: Tell us about the recent change in ownership.

A: After nearly 30 years, My Chef Catering owners Bill and Karen Garlough announced the sale of their company to three key employees. On July 29, 2016, Executive Chef Mark Walter and Accountant Megan Rousonelos and I, the director of catering became the new owners of My Chef Catering.

We all have been an integral part of the business history and helped the Garloughs make My Chef Catering an award winning success. They stepped into retirement knowing their customers were in good hands by transferring the leadership and legacy to experienced department heads. As new owners we will continue to use our expertise to provide customers with the same high quality level of service they've come to know and trust from My Chef.

I will be running the front of the house including marketing and sales, Mark Walter is running the back of the house catering aspects and Megan Rousonelos is handling the finance. We excited for the future of My Chef Catering as we marry the current practices with new innovative ideas that will surely foster continued growth and customer satisfaction.

Q: How do you cater to the corporate client?

A: We offer simple box lunches to elaborate festivals to our corporate clients. Kendall Mander, our corporate sales representative, will assist with planning corporate events such breakfasts, lunches, summer picnics and holiday affairs at competitive prices.

Our professional team of uniformed wait staff, bartenders, event planners and chefs all work together to orchestrate your event to your exacting standards.

Q: Tell us one unique fact about the company?

A: Due to our passion and dedication to community involvement, My Chef Catering has won numerous awards for business excellence and philanthropy at the national and local level. Our awards include, U.S. Chamber of Commerce National Small Business of the Year, chamber awards and the The Business Ledger's Regional Spirit Award.

Q: What is one of the bigger events you have handled?

A: Many clients are referred to My Chef Catering as we are willing to see our client's requests as possible. A notable event was a highly publicized wedding for a well-known author held in the western suburbs that served approximately 600 guests.

This four course, plated event was choreographed and executed on two floors within the time constraints specified to make their day a perfect reflection of their wedding dreams.

The client and her planning team followed up with a thank you filled with accolades recognizing the food, service, event coordinating and willingness to work with others to create an unforgettable event.

Q. Two people to follow on Twitter and why?

A: We follow Business Ledger Editor Kim Mikus as she has all of the cutting news on what's happening in the local business community, highlighting people and businesses that are thriving. Catersource, a leading resource for the catering & events industry, keep us on the cutting edge of catering news and trends.

Q: Have you had any responses to the change and transition of ownership?

A: The responses have been numerous and incredibly positive.

Many clients and community members have passionately recognized the Garloughs and their impact in the community through My Chef and applaud their well-deserved retirement with kind words, cards and emails.

As the new owners we have received so many encouraging words of affirmation confirming this trifecta, the three new owners, has been in the works for years and it will be a winning combination for all involved.

The overall response has been overwhelmingly positive and we are so excited and charged to make our scope of impact broader and even more productive for community clients and employees.

Q: At first glance, do you see any changes in your first 100 days of ownership?

A: Our commitment to clients is business as usual, and of course, with even more attention to detail as owners.

So as not to affect our daily operations, food quality and service our changes will be slow, well thought out and strategic. We are now meeting weekly on Monday mornings to discuss events and operations.

We are taking notes and our first steps will definitely be related to the feedback we are hearing from employees and clients.

At first glance, our changes will be related to social media and technology. We have an awesome catering business and model and we want to make sure we are marketing and advertising to reach all potential clients.

- Kim Mikus

Business name: My Chef Catering

Address: 2772 Golfview Drive Naperville IL 60563

Year business started: 1989

Web address: mychef.com

Number of employees: 125