Summary:

Linda Harkness began catering 35 years ago for a Washington, D.C. club called The Bayou. Although she was also a bartender at the time and had to run her catering business out of her house, she pulled it off. Her food continued to get glowing reviews even through a divorce and raising two children alone, so much so that she even got to cater for an inaugural gala for President Bill Clinton. Whatever needs to be done, just do it.

The Rundown:

• Bartending and backstage catering.
• What do you do when you’re catering for Bruce Springsteen and your pan won’t fit in your oven?
• You have to love what you do.
• Make like Nike and Just Do It.
• A presidential catering event with President Bill Clinton.

Show Notes

• [00:02] Welcome and introduction to Linda Harkness of Tasteful Affairs Catering.
• [00:35] First gig.
• [03:19] Contributing factors to the success and longevity of her career.
• [04:47] Secret ingredient to making each event magical.
• [05:50] Developing her passion for food.
• [07:12] Starting her business 35 years ago.
• [08:22] Balancing business with motherhood.
• [10:38] Creating a can-do culture among her staff.
• [12:34] Transitioning from a concert caterer to a private event caterer.
• [15:17] The most memorable event she’s ever catered.
• [17:17] Challenges for catering companies.
• [18:21] What keeps her loving the business.
• [19:56] Advice for finding a wedding caterer.
• [20:54] On the horizon.
• [21:40] Contact information.