Lisa Richards originated the corporate picnic catering industry in San Diego County while she was a student at the University of San Diego.
She now owns the largest special event and off-premise catering operation in San Diego. Richards is nationally recognized as operating one of the five largest corporate picnic companies in the United States.
The corporation, Hospitality Inc., is one of the most diverse catering and special event companies in the nation. The many divisions under the Hospitality Inc. umbrella are Picnic People, Festivities Catering and Special Events, Festivities Express, The Village Grill at Balboa Park, Simcha San Diego Kosher Catering, The Time Out Caf? at the San Diego Hall of Champions and TK&A Custom Catering.
The Carlsbad Business Journal interviewed Lisa Richards, about TK&A Custom Catering and the business of creating delectable menus for events of all sizes in an economy with rapidly rising food costs.
Carlsbad Business Journal: What is your professional background?
Richards: I began my career in the special event business in my late teens and then added a catering company at the age of 27, which was in 1984. I merged with TK&A in 2006 and became sole owner in February of 2008.
CBJ: What is TK&A's philosophy and mission?
Richards: Our driving philosophy is to provide a service that allows the host to be a guest at their own party. Our mission is to provide service, food and beverage with a high degree of excellence for clients in San Diego County while making a proper profit for the company.
CBJ: What is unique about TK&A?
Richards: Our uniqueness comes from a culinary mindset that we are staying the course through food trend after food trend. Adhering to classic recipes with a current twist is our hallmark. Clients expect simple elegance done properly at their events catered by TK&A. We are a boutique catering company; we aren't trying to be everything to everyone.
CBJ: What sets TK&A apart from similar companies?
Richards: TK&A has a sister company called Simcha Kosher Catering. This diversity allows clients to select the division that meets their needs and to receive the TK&A signature look and service.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of TK&A?
Richards: In this economy, our three-year plan is to remain the size that we are. In the distant future, we would like to have a retail store and open a bakery.
CBJ: What is the most challenging aspect of this company?
Richards: Cost control in the volatile commodity market place. With the inflation of raw food product rising so quickly, it is nearly impossible to keep on top of the daily pricing fluctuations. The question is becoming will someone pay 50 percent more this year than last? The answer has been no. TK&A works at creating affordable menus with the same level of service.
CBJ: What do you enjoy most about your position?
Richards: Working with seasoned event coordinators Mark Vogel and Justin Fitzgerald. They have been with TK&A for many years and represent our brand very well.
CBJ: What is your greatest accomplishment in business?
Richards: Being a leader in the catering and special events industry, locally and nationally. We have built a sound business that thrives, evolves and rewards.
CBJ: What other information would you like to share about your company?
Richards: TK&A acts as a resource to our clients. We like to be considered a trusted consultant because of our experience in planning events. Whether it is a company holiday party for 250 or an intimate wedding for 60, TK&A provides what is required and expected.
For more information, call TK&A at (858) 444-8822 or visit www.tka-catering.com.
She now owns the largest special event and off-premise catering operation in San Diego. Richards is nationally recognized as operating one of the five largest corporate picnic companies in the United States.
The corporation, Hospitality Inc., is one of the most diverse catering and special event companies in the nation. The many divisions under the Hospitality Inc. umbrella are Picnic People, Festivities Catering and Special Events, Festivities Express, The Village Grill at Balboa Park, Simcha San Diego Kosher Catering, The Time Out Caf? at the San Diego Hall of Champions and TK&A Custom Catering.
The Carlsbad Business Journal interviewed Lisa Richards, about TK&A Custom Catering and the business of creating delectable menus for events of all sizes in an economy with rapidly rising food costs.
Carlsbad Business Journal: What is your professional background?
Richards: I began my career in the special event business in my late teens and then added a catering company at the age of 27, which was in 1984. I merged with TK&A in 2006 and became sole owner in February of 2008.
CBJ: What is TK&A's philosophy and mission?
Richards: Our driving philosophy is to provide a service that allows the host to be a guest at their own party. Our mission is to provide service, food and beverage with a high degree of excellence for clients in San Diego County while making a proper profit for the company.
CBJ: What is unique about TK&A?
Richards: Our uniqueness comes from a culinary mindset that we are staying the course through food trend after food trend. Adhering to classic recipes with a current twist is our hallmark. Clients expect simple elegance done properly at their events catered by TK&A. We are a boutique catering company; we aren't trying to be everything to everyone.
CBJ: What sets TK&A apart from similar companies?
Richards: TK&A has a sister company called Simcha Kosher Catering. This diversity allows clients to select the division that meets their needs and to receive the TK&A signature look and service.
CBJ: What do you see for the future of TK&A?
Richards: In this economy, our three-year plan is to remain the size that we are. In the distant future, we would like to have a retail store and open a bakery.
CBJ: What is the most challenging aspect of this company?
Richards: Cost control in the volatile commodity market place. With the inflation of raw food product rising so quickly, it is nearly impossible to keep on top of the daily pricing fluctuations. The question is becoming will someone pay 50 percent more this year than last? The answer has been no. TK&A works at creating affordable menus with the same level of service.
CBJ: What do you enjoy most about your position?
Richards: Working with seasoned event coordinators Mark Vogel and Justin Fitzgerald. They have been with TK&A for many years and represent our brand very well.
CBJ: What is your greatest accomplishment in business?
Richards: Being a leader in the catering and special events industry, locally and nationally. We have built a sound business that thrives, evolves and rewards.
CBJ: What other information would you like to share about your company?
Richards: TK&A acts as a resource to our clients. We like to be considered a trusted consultant because of our experience in planning events. Whether it is a company holiday party for 250 or an intimate wedding for 60, TK&A provides what is required and expected.
For more information, call TK&A at (858) 444-8822 or visit www.tka-catering.com.