Business Brief: Catering By Design New Owners

Cary, NC – Catering Design in Cary is now under the new ownership of Philip and Amy Lin. It was several years ago that we last wrote about Catering By Design, and in December the business was sold to the Lins. Original owner, Greg Lewis, began with a restaurant  called Errico’s over 10 years ago. As the demand for off-site catering blossomed, Lewis transitioned his restaurant into a catering kitchen, keeping his Kildaire Farm Road location. His work then led him to open a new restaurant in Pittsboro called The Pittsboro Road House. As that venture took off it led to the sale of Catering by Design to the couple who was looking to start their own new venture.

The Lins were looking to purchase an existing business that was food related and this was the perfect fit. They already knew Greg and his business, and knew they could add to his success. The change in ownership has brought some changes to the business. The menu has been expanded to include more ethnic cuisines, including Asian and Indian dishes to  appeal to a wider Triangle audience. The couple has increased the offerings of off-site corporate catering for meetings and trainings as well. They have increased activity in social media and are actively pursuing bridal shows that get started next month.

What hasn’t changed is their staff and its commitment to custom catering.  The business employs about 22-30 people depending on the season including operations managers, servers and full time cooks and prep staff.

Custom catering means there are no set menus and events can be styled to the individual’s taste. Bridal parties are encouraged to make appointments for free tastings so that menus can be decided. Weekday business includes catering in RTP and other locations for corporations holding trainings and other day time events. They also continue to provide lunches to several private schools in the area that lack kitchens.

Amy said they are busy injecting new life into the established businesses including adding a little more color to the logo and branding.

We wish them luck and hope to see them around for at least another 10 years!