Caterers - Donna Erickson
- Business: From Scratch Catering
- Location: Cedarburg, Wisconsin WI
- Experience: 28 Years
- Profile: From Scratch Catering
- Website: fromscratchcatering.com
1. Introduction: What's your story?
Hi, I'm Donna Erickson, Executive Chef and owner of From Scratch Catering. It is hard to believe, but I have been catering for over 28 years, serving hundreds and hundreds of clients, while satisfying thousands and thousands of palates. From intimate dinner parties to corporate lunches and elaborate wedding feasts, I have had the joy and privilege of doing it all.
Born and raised in the beautiful and historic Town of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, I felt this would be the perfect environment to locate my business. Three generations of home-made recipes, using only the freshest of ingredients, have laid a foundation for the From Scratch menu. Add to this the modern touch that will attract any palate, any style, any need, and you have the distinction that is uniquely "From Scratch".
Whether it is a full service event or quick glorified drop off, our entire team is passionate about catering. Our warm and friendly style is centered on the personal needs of the client. We want to serve you by putting the "special" into your special occasion. Rest assured, we will do our best to make your event seamless, your meal tasty, and your budget affordable.
2. How many weddings have you done in the past?
I have had the joy and privilege of being in the catering business since 1993. In 2008 I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and decided to start my own catering business. Since the establishment of my business I have done countless engagement parties and weddings. From small and intimate to large and elaborate, and everything in between, we have satisfied and served our clients with great pride and gratitude. After averaging 2-3 weddings per week over the span of 28 years, it brings a deep sense of satisfaction knowing I have brought so much joy to so many brides and grooms.
3. Do you charge a bulk fee or cost per person? What are your rates like?
We work very diligently to meet the budget of each bride and groom that we serve. We don't have package pricing as every client is unique and every menu they choose is designed just for them. From classic comfort food, to more elegant dining for the more sophisticated palate, our menu choices vary in style and cost. Our clients budget comes first and through personal consultations my event coordinators do all they can to accomplish this, while not sacrificing the taste and presentation their event deserves.
4. Do you have a static menu, or can you do a custom menu? And can you take care of various allergy/dietary requests?
Because we are so focused on each individual, we only provide custom-designed menus. We also take great pride in serving clients who have special dietary requests. From allergies, to vegetarian and vegan options, as well as gluten friendly recipes, we seek to meet the needs of each client while also meeting the needs of each and every taste bud.
5. What are your most popular dishes?
If you are looking for rustic comfort food, our most popular menu would be our composed salad-grazing board with home-made buttermilk ranch, pulled pork sliders (our home-baked buns are just yummy!), our award winning mac n cheese and our baked from scratch corn bread muffins. If fancy is more your style, then our most popular menu would be our wedding salad with cinnamon pear balsamic dressing, beef tenderloin with mushroom gorgonzola sauce, pecan chicken, accompanied with our famous garlic smashed potatoes and our farm fresh green beans with pancetta and fresh sage... grown right from our herb garden.
6. Do you provide linens, table settings, and accessories? If you don’t provide linens, table settings, etc., will you handle coordinating the rental?
We take pride in the fact we are a full-service caterer. Our goal is to take the pressure off the bride and groom by coordinating their linens, florals, table settings and a variety of rentals (dishware, silverware, glasses, tents, chairs, tables, etc.) as well bartenders. After so many successful years of catering we have very experienced event coordinators who will walk alongside the bride and groom every step of the way. And beside taste and presentation, we also pursue great service for our clientele. So if you need help with anything, just let us know and we will do everything we can to get it done.
7. Will food be made on-site or brought in?
Most of our food preparation takes place at my From Scratch kitchen in the heart of downtown Cedarburg. Depending on the accommodations of the venue and the menu selections, we often add the finishing touches on-site to make sure the integrity of our food is fresh, hot and ready for our guests to enjoy.
8. Are tastings available and what is involved?
Because we are committed to meeting the needs and desires of each individual bride and groom, we provide private tastings at our quaint location in Cedarburg. You will enter our shop and be seated at our beautifully adorned chandeliered table, sipping a glass of our signature almond tea, amongst my collection of shabby-chic platters, pedestals, and accoutrements. We believe strongly in personal service, so we begin that process by inviting our clients to enjoy their menu selections and meet the From Scratch family. And as the owner and executive chef, I make it my priority to be present at each and every tasting. I am also joined by one of my experienced and service-oriented event coordinators, who also happen to be my precious daughters! It is our hope that this is the best and most relaxed part of your wedding planning.
9. Who else is in your team and how many people on your staff will be at the wedding?
While we have gained a great reputation due to our taste and presentation, the real heartbeat of our success is my dedicated and loyal team. You will begin to experience the character and commitment we have as an organization with your first phone call to our event coordinators who will walk with you through the entire process. But that is only where we begin. Whether it is our kitchen prep team behind the scenes or our experienced and well-trained service staff, our ultimate mission is to make sure that you and your guests experience a wonderful evening. We have over 50 staff who are a part of the From Scratch team, many who have been with us since our journey began and now their sons and daughters have begun to work with us as well. I take great pride in the people who work for me... they are the ones who make From Scratch a success!
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
Perhaps one of the greatest fears for a bride and groom is the need to cancel their wedding. I must say, this is a very rare occurrence, but if this becomes a reality we want to do all we can to work with our clients. A modest non-refundable security deposit is required to secure the date you have chosen. If a cancelation should occur within 14 days of the scheduled event, our clients will be charged the full price of the event, less any costs that From Scratch can avoid. Our calendar fills-up quickly and the weekends are precious and chosen months and years in advance, so this policy is necessary for us to run a successful business.
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