Catering to others

<b>Business offers catering services and home-cooked carry out meals.</b>

by Denise Massie

Sarah Schroder remembers helping her mother cook in the kitchen as a child.

“I’ve always loved to bake,” she admitted.

When she was young, Schroder owned an Easy Bake Oven and several cookie sets.

In fact, baking has been a way for the Dessert First Catering & More owner to deal with stress. No matter how her day is going, Schroder said once she starts baking, everything seems to get better.

Her parents shared a love for cooking over the years, catering meals for family and friends. With her dad owning a business, Royal Tool and Molding in Royal Center, it’s no surprise Schroder has become an entrepreneur herself.

After working in construction for four years and traveling on the road to wherever the company sent her, she decided it was time to find something more permanent.

“I needed a new job that would keep me in one location,” she said.

Her parents offered advice and told her to think about working for herself.

“They have business start-up experience,” she said. “They knew who I needed to talk to and helped get things rolling. My parents showed me you can survive owning a business in Cass County if you work really hard — and that’s what it takes.”

Schroder opened Dessert First Catering & More, 516 E. Broadway, a full service, on- and off-site catering business. The business celebrated its grand opening on Oct. 31.

The on-site option includes food, the facility and anything else required for the event. The cost is based on a unit price per person. Schroder’s focus is on buffet-style service, but once the business becomes more established, she hopes to expand and serve more elegant affairs.

For off-site catering, Schroder can either cook the food for pick-up, or prepare the food, deliver it, set up and clean up. She is willing to help in anyway she can.

“I’m here to help, not control,” she said.

The building can hold up to 300 people. Despite the large amount of space the room offers, Schroder added that she is willing to cater as small of a party as someone requests.

“I try not to turn anyone away,” she said. “Word of mouth is the best way to survive in Logansport. Starting off small has been a great thing because it’s taught me what I want to do and I can expand from there.”

In addition to the catering, Schroder also decided to open the business to customers wanting carry-out dinner during the week.

She offers two meat choices, in addition to side dishes, from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“You can come here and still have a home-cooked meal and not have to go through a drive-thru,” she said.

Schroder sits down with her mother who helps decide what meals will be served each day. Her goal is to provide “good, home-cooked, comfort food.”

She said the carry-out option was a good way to introduce residents to her food and also make an additional income during the week.

The plan is to switch menus each week and offer a good variety of food. As the seasons change, she plans on offering different types of food.

“Chicken and noodles and beef and noodles have been a big winter favorite,” she added.

She has even found a niche with her carry-out services, which she never even thought of when opening.

Schroder explained she receives requests to prepare a dinner for the elderly, perhaps someone who has just lost a loved one.

While Schroder is the sole owner and the only one cooking, she plans on hiring friends and family to help her through the holiday season.

“The first year is going to be all about learning,” she said. “I will go from there and see what happens.”

The biggest challenge of the business, so far, has been determining how much food to prepare for each carry-out dinner. She doesn’t want to make too much, but on the other hand, she doesn’t want to run out and have to turn people away.

Schroder suggests anyone interested in the carry-out to call in their order, so she can make sure they will have a meal on arrival.

The most rewarding part of the business has been meeting new people. Some customers have even become regulars and Schroder has already learned what their preferences are.

Her goals for the future include booking more parties and attracting different types of events. She would also like to draw in more groups to use the building as a conference center.

Schroder is grateful for the success she has had so far and wants to thank all those who have been involved.

“I couldn’t have done this without my family and friends,” she said. “They all pitched in when I needed help. They got me where I am today — doors open, lights on, and parties booked.”

• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at 574-732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com





New business

Name: Dessert First Catering & More

Address 516 E. Broadway

Phone: 574- 722-7400

Hours: Carry-out dinners are available from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call to set up appointments for consultations and catering.

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