Meet Lauren Wyckoff

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Wyckoff.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been in love with food since I can remember. Growing up, watching cooking shows and helping my parents in the kitchen was the norm. At the time, my main focus was being an athlete, so food as a profession never crossed my mind until after graduating college. I really didn’t know what exactly I wanted to do for work, but I had this burning desire to find what my purpose was, what I really enjoyed outside of athletics. Anxious at finding it sooner than later, I went to my mom who would remind me to “go out and try things, you don’t know what you like until you try it!” So, I began my journey of self-discovery.

I lived and worked in a handful of different cities and industries. I gained service experience working in banquets for a JW Marriott, learned the basics of sales working for a professional sports team, and rekindled my adoration for food when I moved to Paris, France to attend culinary school. I moved to NYC and hosted cooking parties, then back to AZ to become a catering manager for another Marriott hotel. I created an event program and served as the event manager for a local restaurant group, and I helped my mom start and grow her chocolate company.

All of these experiences led me to discover what I enjoy most: food and people. I fell in love with the concept that food has a profound and magical power of bringing people together. In January of this year, I started a private event/catering business – specializing in hosting chef-driven, interactive dinner parties. The idea quickly expanded after I had been asked (coincidentally within 2 weeks of each other) by three different local restaurant owners if I could help them with their catering/event arm of the businesses.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course not! The catering, events, and restaurant world is known to be a fast-paced and sometimes chaotic industry. Things don’t always go according to plan (ex: a large bucket of salsa spilling all over the catering van, or the freezer at a private home stops working and the dessert is quickly melting). Instead of dwelling on the situation, stay positive and calm, focus on what you can control and find a solution.

As far as personal struggles, sometimes I feel myself getting anxious to see results. I continue to remind myself to practice patience – with myself, with others, and with the process.

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
We serve those who need help planning, catering, or hosting a dinner party or event. We partner with local chefs and restaurants to create delicious, engaging, and enjoyable dining experiences that bring people closer together.

Who we work with and support:

Local, Independent Restaurants – are the heart and soul of our neighborhoods. They create a sense of community by providing spaces for people to come together and enjoy wholesome food. Now more than ever, it’s important to support local eateries and independent operators. These small business owners are chasing their dreams and supporting their families and those of their employees.

It’s a known fact that many restaurants struggle, both operationally and financially. We help create an additional revenue stream for these local restaurants by building and managing a catering/events program so they can continue to keep their doors open to the community.

Private Chefs – want to share innovative and expressive food on a more intimate level. We support these talented chefs by hiring them for private and public dinner parties, where we handle all of the planning, logistics, client relations, and on-site service while they do what they do best – prepare exceptional food.

Services that we provide:

Restaurant Catering/Event Services – This includes office catering, drop off catering, on-site and off-site catering, and available event space.

Private Chef Dinner Parties – We plan, cater, and host your celebration/gathering at your home or preferred venue.

Public Pop-Up Dinner Parties – Our public dinner parties are all about collaboration and creating community. We partner with local restaurants, chefs, and event vendors to reinvigorate the dining table, making it a place to gather, connect, and make new friends.

Public and Private Cooking Classes – Coming Soon!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely!

First, there a lot of local independent restaurants who need help. If you are someone who has experience in events/catering, sales, and are a self-starter – there is a great amount of opportunity. On the other end, I feel like Arizonians (compared to other large cities like NYC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Austin, Etc.) lack an appreciation for local, independent restaurants. Many tend to dine at the chains that they’re familiar with… my advice is to go explore and start supporting local! Get out of your comfort zone, there are so many great local restaurants here!

Second, there will always be a need for event planners, caterers, and private chefs – people love to celebrate and need help with the logistical details and food!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.laurenallendinners.com
• Phone: 602-456-1566
• Email: contact@laurenallendinners.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenallendinners
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenallendinners

Image Credit:
@Fierceandfringe, @foodiegirlaz, @whcoles

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