What inspired you to enter the wedding industry and start a full service catering and event planning company?
I entered the hospitality field at the age of 19, and instantly found my place here. I worked on a cruise ship, in corporate catering, and after a stint in Nursing School found myself in fundraising and non-profit for several years which pushed me to begin my event planning career. After my daughter was born, I took a position as Catering Director at a cultural museum here in CT. This position helped me hone in on my sales skills, taught me the behind-the-scenes workings of catering, and enhanced my event planning skills before moving full time to wedding planning and catering.
Why did you start On The Spot Catering?
My father, Executive Chef John Giacchi, started On The Spot Catering in 2008 after a life-long career in IT. Pursuing his love for cooking and food, he enrolled in culinary school at the age of 50, graduated top of his class, and started On The Spot Catering, llc. While he manages the back of house, I manage the sales, event planning, and front of house for our events. I joined On The Spot Catering full time in 2017. But, I've been planning all of our weddings since 2009, while I was working full time in the non-profit sector.
If you could change one thing about the weddings and special events industry, what would it be?
Great question. There is so much pressure while planning your wedding. I see so many of my couples get wrapped up in overcomplicating the process. Trust your planner and wedding professionals and enjoy the process!
What's your trademark in the client or event experience?
Our trademark is definitely our custom built, one-of-a-kind, 30-foot mobile kitchen. Basically a commercial kitchen on wheels. Our kitchen has two refrigerators, two sinks, a hot box, a convection oven, a three-bay dish sink, two fryers, a flat top grill, a charbroiler, 10 burner stove, two conventional ovens, and a Southern Pride Smoker that can hold 500 pounds at a time! We are able to bring our kitchen anywhere, and cook on-site for your event. Being a family-owned-and-operated company, our motto is “From our family to yours.” We treat all of our clients as if we are celebrating with one of our own. We pride ourselves on using the best quality ingredients, and cooking for your party of 200+ as if we were sitting down to Sunday dinner—with love and intention. Having this kitchen allows us to completely customize all of our menus for our clients and ensure the freshest food possible.
How does using Aisle Planner help you deliver the client experience you want to?
Aisle Planner is so important to our day-to-day operations! From the moment a lead comes in, to designing quotes, contracts, and checklists, Aisle Planner allows my team to collaboratively work to deliver efficient and consistent service.
What is your favorite Aisle Planner feature?
Invoicing! This feature has simplified our process so much, relieving us of any unneeded stress!
What are three things you never show up without on event day? Why?
- Snacks! (I get hangry)
- Extra pins for securing boutonnieres.
- My Event Bible with plans A, B, C, D...just in case!
Anything you are particularly excited about working on this year?
Yes! I'm actually in the process of starting an event planning company separate from On The Spot Catering! While still maintaining my position with OTSC, this will allow me to plan additional events that may have different catering needs. Having eloped myself, I'm particularly interested in destination weddings, elopements, and event travel. I have my first international client and will be traveling to Australia in March 2020 for an incredible Melbourne wedding!
What would you tell someone who is thinking about becoming a caterer or event planner?
Be authentic, always. Know your own strengths, and build a diverse team with strengths other than your own. You will learn so much by being around professionals excelling in their own field—soak it all up!
Just for fun
I’m dying to take a trip to…
Anywhere. My bags are always packed!
What skill would you like to master?
Breakdancing.
What song do you know every word to?
The entire Lion King Soundtrack.
Non-work related hobbies?
Traveling, Cycling, Mountain Biking, Roller Derby, Camping, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Is tequila a hobby?
On my days off you can find me…
Hanging out with my Husband, Lucas, two kids Cayden (15) and Layla (8), and family!
Want to see more from Stacy and her team? Check out their website onthespotcatering.com!
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