Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Sannito.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Katie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have loved food all my life. My great-grandfather was an Italian immigrant and built his life in Chicago by being a chef. I was fortunate to know both my great-grandparents well into my teen years and was taught the important role food plays in bringing people together. Growing up, I learned how to make the food my great-grandfather served in his restaurant and from a young age I knew the joy that came from cooking a great meal for others. I regularly cooked for friends in college and then when I started working in my first job after school, the cooking and entertaining continued with my coworkers, whom I became great friends with. I always knew in the back of my mind that someday, somewhere down the line I’d combine my business degree/experience with food – it was just a matter of when. A few years into my business career, I went to culinary school part-time while I continued to work full time. I always thought I’d take the restaurant path just like my grandfather, but that ultimately was not the right direction for me. The thing I loved most about cooking for others was to see how they experienced the food that I made for them… the expressions on their faces when they ate something new or something they really loved that brought back a memory. I needed to be with my clients talking to them about the food as I prepared it and served it. Running a restaurant doesn’t always allow you to do that, so I knew I needed to pursue something more unique, more intimate. That passion ultimately led me to leave my business career to start The Gourmet Goddess. It didn’t come about until 6 years after I graduated culinary school, spending those years in my same corporate job, getting married and having my son, Anthony. The time was eventually right for me to leave my job and start doing what I love the most. My specialty is private events and small group dinners for clients entertaining in their homes or small businesses entertaining in their stores. I am completely full service so that the host can host and enjoy their own party.
Has it been a smooth road?
I would have to say for the most part I have faced few obstacles… other than adjusting to a very unpredictable paycheck. I have been very fortunate to have an extremely supportive circle around me. My parents by far are my biggest cheerleaders. They are my sounding board, my reality check and overall my rock solid supporters. My husband pushes me to always do better and has built me my dream kitchen. He also has never once complained about our family losing my stable paycheck in order for me to build a business doing what I love. He believes in me and that keeps me going on the rough days. I also have found an amazing network of business women who are also chasing their dreams and building their businesses. We keep each other in check, lift each other up and provide the encouragement we need to keep going. I know that not everyone is as fortunate as me to have such great support, and I never take it for granted.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Gourmet Goddess is both a service and a product. The core part of my business is my private chef/catering services. I specialize in small group dinners and cocktail parties. Everything from a dinner for two to a backyard patio party for 20 and several things in between. My clients hire me for the special occasions happening in their lives. We work together to create their menu and once that is confirmed I do all the shopping, preparation, serving and the cleanup. This allows my host to be a part of whatever it is they are celebrating. It’s supremely rewarding to see the relief and happiness on their faces when they know they can actually relax and enjoy their own party and be with their guests. I’m known for my excellent service and fresh, gourmet preparation of delicious food. I take no shortcuts and take great pride and providing an exceptional experience from start to finish.
The product side of my business is my biscotti, which is a family recipe. When I first launched The Gourmet Goddess I wasn’t sure how long it would take for the parties to start booking so the business gal in me thought, I better find a way I can get out and meet people to talk about what it is that I do. I started selling my biscotti right away to build brand awareness but to also give folks something tangible that they could taste to get an idea of what The Gourmet Goddess was all about. And, there was a severe lack of authentic, tasty biscotti in my area. I signed up for every type of local event or market I could to set up a table and sell my biscotti. This also gave me a chance to talk to potential customers about what I did as a personal chef. The biscotti quickly became a staple and was not something I felt I could discontinue offering. I currently wholesale with 10 specialty retailers across Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Chicago is an amazing place to start your own business, especially a food business. Chicago is a major food city! If you want to start a serious business you need to have your A-game ready. This is a city of some stiff competition. Be ready to differentiate yourself, create a niche and a unique need for what it is you have to offer. The Hatchery is an amazing resource for people looking to start a food business.
As an artisan, I absolutely see the marketplace searching for and appreciating handcrafted wares, whether it be a gourmet food product, amazing jewelry, exquisite clothing or some form of art. There is enough business out there for everyone, you just have to be creative, have initiative and some gumption to get out there and get yours!
Pricing:
- Artisan biscotti range from $6 – $22 and make a perfect gift!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thegourmet_goddess.com
- Phone: 773-502-7765
- Email: thegourmetgoddess12@gmail.com
- Instagram: the_gourmet_goddess
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Gourmet-Goddess-326857134089116/
Image Credit:
Honey Shea Photography, HERE magazine, Fotio, Katie Sannito
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
