Interview with Savoury Chef Foods- Barb

This week, we talked to Barb from Savoury Chef foods.

Tell us a bit about your company?
-Savoury Chef foods, which is a high-end catering and event company
-We specialize in engineering memorable events with unparalleled service, and menus that feature the very best fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.
-We do deliveries as well but are really event specialists.
-Also do fine dining
-A lot of special events from office parties to weddings to anniversary parties

How did this company start, and what are some sustainable practices that they work on?
-Founded in 2006 by Chef Taryn Wa. She started as a personal chef and kept being asked to do parties for their clients. She eventually started this company.
-Took over Out to Lunch catering this past year.
-Out to Lunch and Savoury Chef both have vested interest in sustainability
-Some sustainability practices they took over is really good ability for bike storage. Makes it easier for staff to bike to work.
-Recycling program they have formed is community living society they have kept that up
-Food not consumed during these events are donated
-In terms of Savoury Chef, we have done great work in finding sustainable seafood, local supplies.
-It is important that all staff believe in the importance of sustainability
-Always looking to become more sustainable as we go

Is this a competitive industry?
-Industry is highly competitive
-Sustainable practices appeals to people. Helps narrow the market down. The fact that we do it in a sustainable way makes everyone happy. Good quality product as well

Advice for youth?
-Chefs table society. Kyle is one of the board members. Really great organization. One of the mandates is to help mentor young people getting into the industry.
-Do your research when looking for a company to join. Everything is available online now. Now information is more accessible and easy to find. Easier to find sustainable companies.
-Get out there and volunteer in the community. Networking and word-of-mouth. Lots of opportunity for casual work. Get involved in companies you’re interested in.

Do you think it is important for youth to get involved in sustainable practices?
-Yes, absolutely. On a personal level i have a five year old daughter and want the world to be a fantastic place for her when she gets older. It is generally youth that run the change. We are headed in the right direction. Fantastic initiatives happening right now.

Are there any openings for youth in your company?
Because there’s peaks and valleys we always encouraging people to reach out and apply because we are a growing company. Sometimes hiring, sometimes not.

What does sustainability mean to you?
-Everyone has to adopt sustainable practices into all facets of their life. From the food they eat, to even what they use to clean their homes. Everyone has to think broadly and have an open mind. And by better, i mean business have to stay profitable . Sustainability is more expensive. Need to also maintain profitability of business. Everyone has to share direction of company and be excited of the potential change that they can make on the environment, and on the world.

Thank you to Barb for being a part of this interview!

Website:
http://www.savourychef.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SavouryChef

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/SavouryChef

Instagram
http://instagram.com/SavouryChef