As someone who can’t serve a meal for two to the table successfully, I’m in constant awe of those who deliver delicious spreads for larger gatherings, especially at catered events. This awe was the first of many lures that made speaking with Cyd Koehn of Catering by Cyd Cyd’s Catering on #thedeliciousstory especially fine this week.

Cyd has a remarkable pedigree of experience for what it takes to create the best dining experience for any event. She offers essential tips in this interview that you’ll need if you’re planning on hiring a caterer in your future.

But first, we spend a little time getting to know Cyd, how she came to love the hospitality industry, the changes she’s seen in the profession over the years, and what it takes to be a successful business woman.

Cyd has a proven record of achievement as a caterer with the customer loyalty to prove it. She was recently voted the Best Caterer in Des Moines for 2019 in the Des Moines Business Record.

SOOTHSAYER AND BREAKFAST MAKER

Cyd grew up in a Bed & Breakfast, one of seven children in a family where there was always something on the stove. It is that communal nature of people brought together for a meal that she finds so meaningful, and what drove her to build a business centered on making gatherings count.

Starting each day with something hearty has long been an inspiration, too. Cyd acknowledges she especially enjoys catering breakfast events, which isn’t something every caterer can say. But whether it’s breakfast or any other type of meal, Cyd loves seeing what happens with the people at a gathering when the food they eat is not only stellar but fitting for the event.

Cyd clearly cares about the guest experience, which you’ll discover when she explains the level of service she provides. Cyd is part expert caterer and part soothsayer for her clients, prepared to address the details they might overlook—from the myriad of dietary restrictions to assuring that food quality and costs are spot-on.

What some may see as clairvoyance is really Cyd’s mastery in action. It’s the combination of a trusting and clear relationship blended with her flair for all-things culinary that makes the magic happen. Her clients shine as a result, and attendees savor and remember who and why they came to the event.

INVEST WISELY WITH THESE TIPS

Hosting an event, especially one involving food, is expensive. Investing in a caterer wisely, therefore, is absolutely critical. Cyd offers her tips on what you’ll want to consider in determining who to hire for your event:

1.       Make sure your caterer is licensed.

It’s hard to believe anyone could commit to a caterer without knowledge of their licensing or an understanding of where and how they’ll prepare the food. After all, you, as the host, are responsible for the results.

2.       Hire a caterer well in advance of your event.

Cyd explains that she is often surprised when clients call for an event that’s literally weeks or days away. Slots fill up, and people plan ahead if they want a successful outcome—so book for your event as early as you can.

3.       Get referrals

Ask for them first, and then make a point to call those referrals to learn about their experience.

4.       Establish communication and trust.

Clarity is everything. What do you want to accomplish? Who will be attending? These are some of the significant questions to answer as you plan—help your caterer help you!

5.       Think outside of the Holiday Season box.

Thinking outside of the traditional holiday window can be especially powerful for those administrative folks who are tasked with planning their company or association annual events. During the Holidays, people are inundated with things to do, so getting past December on the calendar might help your event stand out from the pack of invitations. Why not make company events about the organization’s anniversary? Or another significant intraoffice event?

HAPPY LITTLE ACCIDENT

I love to ask for a kitchen mishap story from each guest. Cyd’s anecdote makes me think of Bob Ross, the long-time Public T.V. oil painting instructor who spoke of “happy little accidents.” Trees and mountains seemed to miraculously flow from his brush to the canvas during each show. Cyd’s anecdote plays out much the same, turning the last-minute hustle of food and timing into something special for the flawless delivery of an event. Of course, she is always prepared, but sometimes there is a small hiccup. The guests are enchanted just the same.

It’s the sweet spot for an artist, that space where knowhow melds with the Midas touch. For Cyd, it’s that magic of the culinary kind that produces the “wow” of an event. And as we come back to talking about the delicious outcomes, I’m reminded that no such thing will come from my kitchen. However, if you’re planning an event, you can be saved from misfortune and have the happy experience of success in hiring a caterer such as Catering By Cyd.

You can find Cyd on her website, Instragram and Facebook.

 As I mention in the intro of this week’s podcast, we’ve started a new line of greeting cards called Storied Gifts Greetings. Our first offering is a birthday card with a seize the day sentiment. All Storied Gifts Greetings are designed to cultivate connection and launch the exchange of real mail in that mailbox!

Sherry is the founder of Storied Gifts a personal publishing service of family and company histories. She and her team help clients curate and craft their stories into books. When not writing or interviewing, Sherry spends loads of time with her grandchildren and lives in Des Moines, Iowa.

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The shop is a mother and daughter venture for Sherry and Alexandra Borzo of Content In Motion. They both work to help their client's stories sing. The shop is there effort to inspire a focus on healthy minds for everyone through positive thought.

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