EDITOR’S NOTE
A badge of honor A very long time ago (and I’m stressing a very long time ago) , I was in a musical and a critic called me the “unsung hero” of the show. I was definitely not an “above the fold” lead, no publicity swirled around my appearance, but I had some significant stage time. Anyway, I saw that phrase and didn’t know what it meant at the time—but for some reason, it stuck with me as a badge of honor. As such, I love Amber Kispert’s article, Catering’s Unsung Heroes . We quote and elevate company principals, outgoing and enthusiastic marketers, and executive chefs often; but it’s a rare day we focus on the “quiet” people of our industry, those who make an extreme impact on our events through their hard work and service. I’m so happy to shine that light on them in this issue. Turn to page 16 to give it a read and then think about who you might bestow a badge of honor upon in your company. Adding to the blend of this publication is the launch of Sales Talk —a “new” department that will be authored by the phenomenal Jennifer Perna of Fulton Market Consulting. She is taking over the slot held for many years by Meryl Snow, and I feel very fortunate to have her in our quarterly mix. You can find her starting on page 30 where her nuts and bolts approach to successful selling hits a home run in her first inning here. Finally, just a little housekeeping: I’m excited to announce that our very popular event, the Art of Catering Food, is finally separating itself from the Catersource conference and becoming the stand- alone event it once was, starting in 2026. Location TBD but we already have a number of very exciting locations in the running. However, if you need a little taste from Art of Catering Food 2025, turn to page 09, where you will find Chef Jenny Bast’s (Catering Creations) recipe for Lentil Carrot Harissa Hummus. Have a great and profitable summer!
Kathleen Stoehr, Director of Community & Content Strategy
WEBSITES catersource.com specialevents.com leadingcaterersamerica.com informaconnect.com/catersource-thespecialevent/ informaconnect.com/art-of-catering-food/
Director of Community &
Content Strategy Kathleen Stoehr, kathleen.stoehr@informa.com Senior Content Producer Amber Kispert, amber.kispert@informa.com Content Editor Amanda Nicklaus, amanda.nicklaus@informa.com Art Director Sarah Kolcheck, sarah@nxtgennetwork.com Sales Director Michael Lindahl, michael.lindahl@informa.com Sales Account Executive Devin Barnes, devin.barnes@informa.com Ad Operations Specialist Lauren Loya, lauren.loya@informa.com What do you think of this issue? Like it? Love it? Have something to contribute to our website? We’d love to hear from you. Write us at editor@catersource.com.
Contributors International Caterers Association, Anthony Lambatos, Jennifer Perna, Carl Sacks
Catersource is published quarterly by Informa Connect Foodservice Group and Catersource llc, 650 Third Ave, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10158. Subscriptions: Go to catersource.com and sign up to receive Catersource’s quarterly issues and/or monthly e-newsletter products. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission prohibited. ©2025 Informa Connect Foodservice Group. All rights reserved.
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SUMMER 2025 ■ CATERSOURCE
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