TAMPA, Fla. — As cases of COVID-19 climb in our area, Good Food Events and Catering hopes more people will opt for their holiday boxes that come sealed.
The boxes launched this month in an effort to offset lost business due to the pandemic. Even with a vaccine, we are still months away from getting back to a new “normal.”
Good Food Events and Catering went from 5 to 7 events per week in 2019, to just 2 to 3 in the months after lockdowns were lifted.
“We’ve received several inquiries and a lot of interest people really seem to think it’s a solid idea for this current health climate,” Stephanie Sanders, an event specialist at Good Food Events and Catering said.
Sanders said there is a pent up demand for people to hold events. And, they are taking precautions to make sure staff and customers are safe.
“Before heading to the venue we take the temperatures of all of our staff members and actually on-site we require face masks and gloves consistently throughout the night and also any past appetizers are now served in individual vessels to limit guest interaction,” Sanders said.
Sous-chef Stephen Prier said it takes about 2 hours to make about 35 boxes and he’s received positive feedback.
"It’s great to have a new concept that you can get behind and really have people enjoy,” Prier said. “I could not be more optimistic. We’ve got a vaccine coming through, some real progress is going to be made, and we won’t have to go through this much longer.”
The menu for the holiday boxes will change throughout the year. But, Sanders said the concept of offering sealed food boxes will be offered throughout the year.
“Everyone in this industry likes to be busy,” Sanders said. “Our 2021 and 2022 calendars are looking full we are very excited to get back to normal.”