Arlene Anderson
We sat down with Women to Women Network member Arlene Anderson, owner of the catering company, Arlene Cuisine, and here’s what she had to say…
Who are your clients/customers?
That is such an interesting question because it has been so varied, and I love that. You’ll notice a theme with me—I love variety! We have served individuals, businesses of all sizes, and organizations and groups of all types. I love that I have been able to bounce around between all three.
During the pandemic, of course, we had to pivot. As luck would have it, I had just completed the construction of our mobile kitchen, which has allowed us to offer meals to go. I have been able to serve a lot of people with my take away meals and give them a break from cooking!
How do you help your clients/customers?
I’m a good listener, and to offer the best service, I believe it always starts with listening to the client’s needs. Especially if we are talking about an event. I want to really hear them and give them the sense that they are not in it alone. Ultimately, I’m shoulder-to-shoulder with them in it. I want them to feel like they can bounce ideas off of me, or ask me to take something on.
I also want to be clear on how much they want me to do for them. In my experience, I have found everyone has a different perception of what catering means. The truth is, it can mean what you need it to mean. For example, if you want to handle some of the details, like flowers or decorating, then I won’t do that. But if you want flowers or decorations included, then my team will take that on. Maybe you just want food delivered, a drop and run, or maybe you want me to stay and help serve and clean up afterward.
The point is, I will provide what you need to fill the gaps between what you want and don’t want to do yourself. This is different for every event. The details vary by needs, skills, budget, and what they are wanting, and we can put together a full event plan or just a menu, or something in between. I can meet their needs because I ask the necessary questions.
What brought you to this line of work?
I was having so much fun organizing a team bake sale at church that I probably went a little over the top—especially if you ask them—but it was beautiful, with all the extra details of presentation and extra touches to make it special. I also really thought about how to organize the teams and engage everyone involved, and who our audience was, and how we could best serve them. It was very rewarding and fun and led to more work and before I knew it, I had launched a business!
It may not have been my original plan, but it didn’t come as a surprise when I think about it because I have always been an organizer. I have always been the one to organize special events or parties. And it wasn’t that I wanted to go to parties, I just loved putting them on!
What brings you the most joy in your business?
I’m a caterer, but it’s so much more than the food. I love to cook, but my first love is puzzling out all the details and logistics involved in putting on a great event. And I love helping my clients create something truly special and unique.
What defines you/your business?
I take the time – as much as is needed – to really partner with a client with a personal touch. I’m really good at asking questions and getting my clients to think of the possibilities, to get creative, and have fun. I’m also very flexible on timing and the number of people and the size of an event. I like to give my clients choices, and because I can do so much more than simply provide the food, I can be a full-service event planner if my client needs or wants that level of service.
Currently, my niche is smaller, more intimate events. My goal is to grow into larger events. This will come as I build my team and scale my business up. I can certainly coordinate all the details of a large event now, but it requires a certain amount of outsourcing. The goal is to bring it all in-house. No matter how big my business grows, I won’t lose sight of the personal touch and the need to take time with each client.
What is the most important thing you want people to know about your business?
That it’s ok to ask questions and not to rule anything out! They shouldn’t make assumptions that they can’t be served or they can’t afford a professional caterer. I can be very accommodating, and I have a knack for finding creative solutions to fit the size and budget needs of my clients. I like choices so I offer my clients choices. And I make it fun!
I also want people to know I have a mobile kitchen, which means I am able to go on-site and do meal prep on-site. I don’t mind traveling and this opens up even more possibilities!
Arlene Cuisine
14664 Ehlen Road Northeast, Aurora, Oregon 97002, United States