Go Local: Catering to Success

Story by Lindsey Chester | June 3, 2010 | Tags: Business, Food, Go Local, Shop & Dine

Story by Lindsey Chester. Photo by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC- I first met Greg Lewis at a Linked Local Cary event that Gary Hart co-hosted at Catering By Design, located in the Big Lots shopping center on Kildaire Farm Road.

I thought it was interesting that his business is located in what was a restaurant, but he does most of his business, catering, elsewhere.

Greg moved here with his family from Pennsylvania in March of 2000 to open a restaurant, Errico’s. About 6 months later  the idea to become a caterer began to form. And so began Catering By Design.

Chef Greg’s Background

Greg was no stranger to the catering business, however….

Greg has worked in restaurants all his life, starting at the age of fourteen as a busboy and progressing to restaurant manager by the end of high school.

With an associate degree in Culinary Art from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, his career spans more than thirty years -  including over eight years as Executive Chef with establishments such as the Hotel Hershey in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  From there, Chef Lewis went on to work as the Executive Chef for central Pennsylvania’s largest caterer.

Working as a caterer provided him with the challenge of creating many different and unique menus for various events. The variety this offered pushed him to try his hand here in Cary.

Most “Memorable” Event

I asked Greg what’s been his most unusual event to date. He told me about a Russian wedding.

His staff had prepared the seating the night before the event and was bringing in food and supplies the day of the wedding, only to discover that people had already begun the party!

Thinking he was mistaken about the time, he looked back at all his records, but no, the caterers were on time- the guests were just over eager to get the party started.

Throughout the 8 course meal, vodka flowed and everyone had a great time…until 6 in the morning!

Reaching Out

Greg’s other passion is his work with Hope Chapel of Apex. His church focuses on assisting the organization Hannah’s Hands.

He has traveled to El Salvadore several times to help repair orphanages  and help children living in poverty while spreading the Gospel.

Locally he  heads out to Jordan Lake’s camp grounds to assist with the non- denominational services held out there every Sunday. Greg also hopes to start a Men’s Ministry within Hope Chapel.

Success Despite Tough Times

The custom catering business has been very good. While corporate catering have gotten smaller budget-wise, Greg has picked up more volume in smaller events. In fact this year, he is busier than ever.

A new aspect of his business is the private school lunch business, as many of these schools lack cafeterias. Imagine being in 5th grade and having a “catered” lunch! And the beauty of the catering business is there is no guess work. You know how many staff you need, how much food to prepare, etc. No waste.

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