Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alejandro Olarte, managing partner at Meza Group Catering & Events, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Founded and operated by three brothers, Meza Group is a specialized full-services and á la carte catering and events company based in Toronto serving the G.T.A. Rooted in the foundation of family, we infuse our passion for food and camaraderie into every table we serve. In fact, this is ingrained in our name. While Meza literally translates to "table" in English, the word carries a deeper meaning for us in our culture: it is the experience of bringing people together around food and drinks, creating memories, and cultivating a spirit of community.
Our clientele varies from Law Firms, Financial Institutions, Marketing/communication companies, Gaming & media companies, Venues, Production & Film companies, Fashion Houses, Not for Profit Organizations & Charities. During summertime, we've also developed close partnerships with the boat & cruising industry on Toronto's waterfront.
Tell us about yourself
After immigrating to Canada from Florida, where I grew up, my first job was at a golf club located in Toronto. Soon after, I was encouraged by my employer and decided to join George Brown College to complete the Hotel Management program. The private club sector provided an outlet to learn and sharpen new skills. Quickly rising through the ranks presented an opportunity to manage larger staff and deal directly with customers, members, the Board of Directors, and administrative staff. The combination of all these events pointed me in the direction of running our own business.
I am motivated by clients, results, building & developing true relationships, food, and competitive spirit, but most of all, the staff that works tirelessly to make it all happen.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I saw COVID-19 change the world and bankrupt businesses overnight. Catering businesses were not the exception, and businesses dried up with the lockdowns. One of the most impressive events I have ever seen is how we went from zero to one hundred in 2022.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
In the catering world specifically, there are a plethora of moving targets. There are a million ways that things can go wrong, and only a few ways of everything fitting perfectly. On a daily basis, you are juggling food, staff, clients, equipment, and traffic, to name a few. Operations are so demanding that finding the time for a strategic plan and long-term vision is challenging.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Patience.
- Perseverance.
- Passion.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.mezagroup.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085193485076
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mezagroup.catering/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meza-group-catering-events/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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