620-CateringCreationsSPOTLIGHT-620.qxp_WORKING 6/22/20 11:41 PM Page 24
catering creations • MAKING HARD TIMES BETTER
spotlighting
• CATERING CREATIONS
• mmagazine
omaha meal delivery catering creations
IT’S NOT THE FIRST TIME Jeff and Jennifer Snow began a business under less-than-ideal circumstances. Catering Creations was started during an industry downturn following the events of September 11, 2001. Their event venue, Founders ONE | NINE, was on the brink of its inception when Jeff suffered serious injuries in a bicycle/automobile collision (he was the bicyclist), but the couple pressed on. And Omaha Meal Delivery, the Snows’ latest venture and a division of Catering Creations, came into existence during the COVID-19 crisis. The idea for Omaha Meal Delivery didn’t come out of thin air, Event Producer Ambyr Peacock explained. “They had intended to do something like this at a later date.” But opportunity and necessity knocked at the same time, so without a detailed timeline or careful strategic plan, the Snows launched Omaha Meal Delivery.
Going the extra step It’s not just a service that drops a takeout bag at the door. Through omahamealdelivery.com and its associated Facebook and Instagram pages, individuals and groups can order meal packages, special bundles for holidays and celebrations, or basic groceries (a quarantine grocery pack even includes toilet paper and rubber gloves). The service helps anyone who wants to go the extra step in social distancing avoid public places, and customers are assured the meals and products they purchase are handled safely and delivered in a no-contact manner.
entrees include grilled phone: (402) 558-3202 chicken in a roasted email: info@cateringcreations.com garlic and herb cream social: sauce, Mexican beef instagram: instagram.com/cateringcreations/ enchiladas with facebook: facebook.com/cateringcreations/ twitter: @cateringsnow southwestern adobo snapchat: cateromaha sauce items, and a web: www.cateringcreations.com charcuterie and wine happy hour basket. But address: 1915 jackson st., omaha comfort food/family packs with entrees like casseroles are also available.
Reaching out Customers can purchase gift cards, or better yet, have a meal delivered to friends or family. “We’ve been reaching out to residential communities, organizations with workers on the front lines, churches—groups like that—to see if there is anyone wanting to sponsor meals or have their employees receive meals,” Peacock said. “We’re taking the business virtual and mobile.” Reflecting the Snows’ longstanding commitment to local charities (a percentage of their profits support local organizations), Omaha Meal Delivery can also coordinate a sponsored catered meal for a local nonprofit. In June, metroMAGAZINE presented such a meal to 30 residents of Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha.
“The food industry has such high standards for cleanliness and preparation. We’ve always observed those practices and tried to exceed expectations when it comes to that,” Peacock said, adding that the organization’s preparation facilities recently received an “excellent” county health inspection rating. “We use gloves and drop off at the door, and text a picture for confirmation of delivery. We offer curbside pickup as well.”
The Snows are also making modifications to Catering Creations and Founders ONE | NINE to facilitate a transition back to catering and hosting events. These efforts include socialdistanced popup restaurants for small groups, with masked and gloved servers and roaming live entertainment, and new standards liked staffed buffets and hand sanitizer stations.
In alignment with the culinary creativity people have come to expect from Catering Creations, popular Omaha Meal Delivery
“We’re trying to go the extra step,” Peacock said. “We want clients and staff to feel safe.”
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mmagazine • JUne 2020