Meet Paul McKenna of Starship Restaurant, Catering & Events in Forest Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul McKenna.

Paul, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Started in November of 1977 as a gourmet submarine sandwich called Starship Subs with virtually no restaurant experience. We had one mission- to sell a great sandwich at a reasonable price. It was a Space themed restaurant with Star Wars, Star Trek, Dr. Who & anything space decorating the place. Because it was November and cold, we added hot soup and hot sandwiches right away and slowly transformed into Starship Restaurant.

In 1985 when the Chicago Bears won the Super Bowl, we saw the potential for catering and delivery and became Starship Restaurant & Catering and began delivering all throughout the entire Chicagoland area. We sell 120 homemade soups about 25 different sandwiches, a dozen entrees and sides and many hot hors d’ oeuvres as we began to get a bit more involved in doing cocktail parties. Following that demand, we created Starship Events and bought a liquor license, and now cater weddings, company picnics, school functions, seminars and try to fulfill any customers needs.

Also, know that going back to the original comment about not having ‘any restaurant experience’ this has served us well as customer satisfaction has always been our driving force. The customer’s best interest is our best interest. We think a bit differently. We work for one thing. Approval of the customer.

If we remember this, the money just takes care of itself.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Never smooth, but always rewarding. Challenging to learn how to achieve consistency of product, develop a good staff and always stay focused on the customer.

In 1977 there was a recession That is when we opened. Sales always increased until 9/11 (dot-com bust) and 2007 when spending habit changed as home values plummeted. We have survived through 40 years now and are still increasing sales annually.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
We make good food. We try to sell it at a reasonable price. Gourmet sandwiches and homemade soup are the features of our restaurant.

Our Catering & Events business is driven by customer needs. finding out the customer’s vision and then making it so is what drives us. We love when people love us. Who doesn’t?

What sets us apart from others is our two mottoes. ‘Sell only what we like to eat’ and ‘always keep the customer’s interest as our best interest’ Lastly, while we do offer veggie and gluten-free options our focus is always on great taste.

What were you like growing up?
We partied a lot. This is integral to the hospitality industry. Keeping that in check is a challenge for any restaurateur.

Personally, over those years we played in rock bands, wrote stories and got college degrees. Also, raised families and bought houses. in addition to buying the building that house the restaurant and the property next store as we expanded our space.

I think because we have stayed with our one concept continuity has served us well. Many restaurant owners switch locations buy and sell over the years. Staying put in one place has made life a bit easier.

Pricing:

• For our finer catering we average between $10-$15 per person

Contact Info:

• Address: www.starshiprestaurant.com
• Website: starship@starshiprestaurant.com
• Phone: 708-771-3016
• Email: fhttps://www.facebook.com/StarshipRestaurantandCatering/
• Instagram: https://twitter.com/starship7618
• Facebook: starship1977

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