by Emily King

You may remember Emily Greenland as the “Rock Star Chef” of Emily’s Events that we speak of from our radio show on KFNX1100. We originally gave her this pseudonym because Emily uses it to describe the incredibly fresh, top-notch ingredients she includes in her dishes.

I can personally attest to this because (Lucky Me!) she fixed an incredible meal of poached Salmon with yogurt-dill sauce, oven-roasted red potatoes with fresh herbs, and sautéed asparagus during our interview—and get this—she did it all with a sincere smile on her face. But, after getting to know Emily and realizing that she is both an anomaly in the kitchen and a guru of customer service, it’s clear that the title suits her. After all, anyone who can cater an extravagant party one day, and deliver gorgeous meals to a corporate office the next while wearing $200 heels is—well– pretty Rock Star!

 

Catering is in Emily’s blood. Her mother was a chef and began Emily’s culinary foundation by letting Emily assist her in the kitchen. Emily also paid her dues serving in some high-profile restaurants including one owned by Carlos Nieto, one of the forerunners of the small-plate movement.  Aside from cooking, she found that she enjoyed singing and acting. In fact, Emily earned her first degree in Musical Theatre from Stephen’s College, an all-girl’s “finishing school” in Missouri. She says (and would like to emphasize to her parents who footed the bill) that the training is very useful in the event planning industry because every event is like a production. It can be chaos before the show.  Fortunately, with her knack for problem solving, sheer will, and winning personality, she pulls off an incredible performance while her clients remain unaware to any hang-ups that may occur. She explains it simply: “When that curtain opens, you have got to be on your game.”

A recurring theme in all of Emily’s anecdotes is her ability to use both her formal and self-education to further her business. She is constantly reading cookbooks and teaching herself about all of the elements that go into a successful event. When Emily wants to learn the latest trends in lighting or decoration, she finds the industry leader, hires them, and soaks up all the knowledge that she can in order to recreate the effects on her own. She believes that in order to be the best, you must learn from the best. Her motivation and innovative approach to the industry are truly her greatest assets as a business woman.

 

“The thing about Emily,” says David Lee, a Business Development Consultant who Emily brought in to help her through this period of rapid growth, “Is that she is not afraid to challenge herself. She has an amazing business mind and limitless energy.”

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Emily’s company is how she markets her business. There is no sign on her door, no menus on her website, or even a website at this point. She isn’t even listed in the phonebook. In fact, she relies completely on word-of-mouth publicity. Again, her innovative ideas and adherence to superior customer service come into play to make what seems to be such a simple marketing plan work. She found a winning formula: Her company caters for a reliable, corporate client, and she treats her staff like family. Her confidence in her staff and a stable corporate base enable her to pour her heart and soul into her other clients. She has even been known to sit down with clients and dig deep into their psyches to design a menu that allows them to relive milestone events. “What did you and your husband/wife eat on your first date?” She might ask. You can bet that she will deconstruct that meal to invent an appetizer incorporating all of those flavors to evoke a wonderful memory.

Ever the go-getter, Emily is on the cusp of venturing into a whole new catering niche. She will continue to serve her loyal clients with the smile they have come to know so well, but it will be interesting to see Emily’s Events grow to new heights. I guess you could say this lovely lady has a pretty “Rock Star”-lookin’ future ahead of her.

 

If you would like to contact Emily about catering call  (480) 707-2251

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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