John Robbin, founder of JR Foods, talks about his paella catering business.
“I started my Paella Party business less than a year ago. Initially I was using my 100cm Paella pan for roasting pumpkin sesame and sunflower seeds, and it did a brilliant job! I have always had a passion for cooking, particulary Spanish/Italian/North African styles. Seeing the pan standing in front of me I thought – why not go for cooking Paellas?? That is how I started!
I have been surprised at how well things have gone in my first year – I have done Paellas for 20 people – up to 110. Here is some feedback from my last party in September:
‘Somewhat belatedly I want to thank you for your part in my party last weekend. It was just great and quite exceeded my expectations. The Paella itself looked fantastic
and tasted delicious, I have had many comments about it. But more than that your whole attitude and proffesionalism really made the party go with a swing, My guests
loved being able to chat to you whilst watching and learning what was going on. You seemed to be really part of the party and yet in the background as well, and your
clearing up was masterly dissapearing behind the marquee!! Last but not least was the way you brought the spanish weather with you!! after the summer we have had that
really was amazing and a boost for everyone. A big thank you, we have already told many peoople about you so hope some business will come your way. thinking
of that could you send me your curry menu and also tell me if your bags of nuts are available to purchase locally, they sound amazing.’
I am promoting Paellas during the winter months with the slogan – ‘ Bring a taste of summer into your winter’. I feel that with the poor summer we have had – what could be better than to bring summer back for a day for your anniversary, birthday, or to just celebrate Paella! I can provide a flamenco guitarist and probably dancers too if required!”
Contact John on
01798 344315 or
07968 861964 or
john-robbins@ukf.net
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
John, I would to say a huge thankyou to you for providing such an amazing feast at Mum’s party last weekend. The Paella’s were absolutely delicious and we had loads of really positive feedback. I cant believe how much food there was…and how little was left over…definately a sign of good grub! It was great to see you again. Best of luck with everything, hopefully see you again sometime. Thanks again, Alice.
Hi, it’s John Robbins – thank you so much for the above article!
At the beginning of this summer of 2009, I decided to go full time with the paella parties!! I changed my business name to ‘Paella Parties’ . Original don’t you think!?
I am so pleased I did because over the summer I was doing between two and four parties every weekend! I have trained up two chefs to assist me, and to enable me to do more than one party in a day. My website is under construction, and is:- http://www.paellaparties.com . Happy Spanish eating everyone!
That’s great news John – good luck with the business. Anyone looking for paella catering – here’s your man!
Hi John
I’m having a 50th party on Sat 5th June and I’m interested in having paella party. I live on the seafront at East Wittering West Sussex. The party is a casual family/friends affair for about max 60, starting about 4pm and flowing into the evening with music in a marque. If you are interest please contact me.
Regards
Yvonne