In the early 90s, Chef Don Mitchell discovered his passion for catering while working as an executive chef at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. This spark led him and his wife to launch Don’s Catering in 2008, starting humbly from their home. “I had three or four refrigerators in the garage, cooking large meals for up to 150 people,” Chef Don recalls.
Their big break came when they moved into a commercial space, legitimizing their operations and enabling them to cater multiple events a day. However, the journey wasn’t without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic hit hard, threatening their survival. “Business had stopped, and I was really concerned about making payroll,” Chef Don explained. LiftFund’s support during this time was crucial, providing a grant that helped them stay afloat.
More recently, LiftFund’s 0% interest buy-down program allowed Chef Don to purchase a commercial van. “This van is a game-changer for us,” he says. “We no longer need to rent trucks for big events, and it has significantly enhanced our operational capacity.”
Looking ahead, Chef Don plans to expand Don’s Catering by operating two kitchens in different parts of the city. One will cater to schools, and the other will handle commercial and corporate events. “This expansion will be a major growth step for our company,” he shares.
Chef Don’s wife plays a crucial role in client interactions and account management. Eventually, they plan to pass the business to their daughter, who has been involved in operations for years. “She understands the ins and outs of catering, and I believe she can take the business to new heights,” Chef Don says with pride.
Reflecting on his experience with LiftFund, Chef Don is grateful. “LiftFund made the loan process easy and fair. They exist to help small businesses grow, and they have certainly helped us.”
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Chef Don offers this advice: “Hang in there because better days are coming. There were times I thought about giving up, but I kept pounding the pavement until I got a breakthrough. You have to be a fighter in this business.”
Chef Don’s story is a testament to resilience and determination. With the support of LiftFund, he has navigated challenges and continues to grow his business, inspiring other small business owners to persevere and achieve their dreams.
