Sensational Foods has been a major player in the corporate lunch market in Boston for many years—and for good reason: there’s very little this local shop doesn’t do well. We got in touch with them to discuss reinventing old-time favorites and the future of Boston’s restaurant and catering industry.
Q: How did you first get started with catering?
A: The owner, Geoff Skillman, started his career in food service when he was 15 and followed his love of food into multiple aspects of the food industry before deciding that catering was his true calling. Over the years, the company has grown with the addition of great and passionate staff, which has only led his love of the company to grow.
Q: What makes food and the restaurant industry in Boston unique?
A: Boston has always been on the cutting edge of great trends in food and alcohol throughout its eclectic history. The city has always had a great take on where traditional cuisine meets contemporary flavors and modern trends.
Q: What’s your favorite dish on your menu?
A: Our staff always says the Ribs and Mac & Cheese are “Sensational,” but we think they are a tad biased. Our client favorites are the Tuscan Chicken, Fajitas or anything Mexican, as well as the Salad Bars for corporate lunches.
Q: What do you predict for the future of Boston’s restaurant and catering industry?
A: We believe that Boston’s restaurant and catering industry will continue to grow and expand into new avenues, with the ever-changing dynamic of the city and those who call it their home. We feel that Boston, unlike other popular tourist destinations like Washington DC and New York City, reaches into our past to reinvent old-time favorites into contemporary twists. For a state known for fried clams and lobster rolls, which can never be taken off the menu, the industry is adding new flavor combinations that pay homage to our history while introducing new ways to eat favorite foods. Our favorite example of this for our company is the addition of items to our famous Mac & Cheese, like Bacon, Seafood, or Buffalo Chicken.
Q: What makes your food unique?
A: We only use fresh and local ingredients, and whenever possible we make our food from scratch. Our menu is constantly changing and growing with needs of our loyal clientele. We pride ourselves on being able to work with any and all dietary restrictions and trends that may be present to ensure all of our clients are well fed, and trust that we care for their well-being. On top of creating great food, we believe it is the service behind our great food that truly makes our company unique. Our staff is always here to help our clients with any questions they may have, or to create custom menus to meet their party’s needs. If that means a dinner where every dish includes Ritz crackers (yes, that’s happened), or an entirely healthy, low-calorie and gluten-free cocktail hour, we always aim to please.
Hear how other Boston caterers have grown their catering business at our ezChats Boston event.