Memorable Michigan

Memorable Michigan

Jennifer Perna, Owner, Fulton Market Consulting, Chicago, IL

November 7, 2017

2 Min Read
Memorable Michigan

While reviewing business in central Michigan, I took some time to see what was brewing in East Grand Rapids, Michigan.  My favorite stops included these five delicious establishments; That Early Bird CafeD’art DonutsVanDer Mill CiderDonkey Taqueria and Rowster Coffee

My overall synopsis of these five “gems”… They stayed in their lane. They know who they are. They didn’t overcomplicate service, food, presentation or their environments. They all have tight menus and know their strengths. And their food was excellent, creative, impactful and memorable.

Caterers of all sizes…as you evolve and grow, remember this. Stay in your lane and stay true to your core and who you are.  Remember why you started in this business and where your team's passions and talents should be focused.

Review these photographs and open these website links below for creative inspiration. And visit Grand Rapid, Michigan the next time you are traveling the Midwest. It’s a fantastic city to explore.

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That Early Bird Cafe

thatearlybird.com

Maple Pecan Scone. Egg Sandwich on homemade English Muffin with savory Rosemary Aioli. Homemade Biscuits and Chorizo Gravy. Order at the counter and they deliver to you. Fresh, delicious food in a comfortable casual environment.

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D’art Donuts

dartsdonuts.com

The perfect donut shop to get a box “to go” after you just ate a complete breakfast across the street at That Early Bird.  Michigan Honey Glazed, Lemon Blueberry, Boston Cream and Whiskey Bacon.

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VanDer Mill

vandermill.com

Flights of hard cider including Nunica Pine, Ancho Mama and Ginger Peach paired with the best plates of Ham & Doughnuts and Fried Smelt & Chips. Michigan at its finest.

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Donkey Taqueria

donkeygr.com

Tacos al pastor, tacos carnitas, queso con chorizo an ice cold Pacifico and Sol. Sit at the bar and order the Oaxacan Old-Fashioned.

rowster.png

Rowster Coffee

rowstercoffee.com

An absolutely perfect double espresso with sparkling water side and crafted cappuccino were served up to the bar counter with two croissants. Simple and delicious.

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See Jennifer Perna at #catersource 2018!

Jennifer Perna is the owner and founder of fulton market consulting and will be teaching two sessions at Catersource 2018. Click here to view her bio and session links.

About the Author

Jennifer Perna

Owner, Fulton Market Consulting, Chicago, IL

Jennifer Perna started Fulton Market Consulting in May 2017 after developing an event experience and sales management experience portfolio for over 25 years in the downtown Chicago catering and special events industry. Jennifer presently works with owners, managers and all team players at hospitality-related companies on increasing sales and creating business development strategies, streamlining processes for operations and event production and developing best practices for human resources and administrative management. This is especially imperative as we continue to manage a diverse and young talented pool of employees today. Jennifer brings a dynamic, approachable and relatable communication style to all levels and members of the team.Jennifer is an active, passionate and involved member of the International Caterers Association (ICA) where she is on the Executive Board as Immediate Past President, after completing a successful two-year Presidential term. Jennifer has been an ICA member since 2011. She has also been an active board member of the Catersource Advisory Council since 2015.Prior to starting Fulton Market Consulting, Jennifer was Vice President of Sales at Blue Plate Catering from August 2008-April 2017. Jennifer thrived in her position as the leader of a sales department of 32 dynamic sales and production team members generating annual revenue reaching over $25 million in off-premise catering sales, working in over 85 various venues throughout the Chicagoland area.Jennifer & Blue Plate received several accolades and awards during her time including:

 2016 Best and Brightest companies to work for, National Association for Business Resources

• 2015 Achievement in Catering Excellence (ACE), East region, Catersource

 2015 Best Catering Company, Illinois Meetings and Events

• 2015 Couples Choice Award, Wedding Wire

 2009 Hall of Fame Supplier of the Year, Illinois Meetings and Events 

Jennifer is a proud graduate of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration with a Bachelor of Science Degree concentrating in food and beverage and marketing. She recently was a guest speaker at the special event class at the prestigious hotel school in October 2016 and it heading back for a return engagement this autumn.

contact information:

[email protected]

312.515.4380

www.fultonmarketconsulting.com

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