Company Name: Misaki Byron
Company Address: 3 Bombora Place, Lennox Head, 2478
Mobile: 0438 876 103
Phone and fax: 02 6687 6103
E mail: info@misakibyron.com.au
Website: www.misakibyron.com.au
1) Can you tell us a little bit about you and your catering business? What’s the story behind your company?
We are a small family run business and operate from home where we have a commercial kitchen. We have owned a few restaurants the last one being Misaki Byron in Byron Bay. Having this restaurant earned us a great reputation in the area. We provide lunches and dinners and also cater for dinner parties and other functions. We also make, use and sell our own sauces.
2) How did you get started in the catering industry?
We were introduced to the food industry when we purchased a fish and chip shop. We then went on to a Chinese restaurant before opening our Japanese restaurant which we ran for over 10 yrs 3) Who is your average customer, and what type of catering services do you offer?
Our average customer is one who lives in the vicinity of Byron Bay who wants their lunch or dinner delivered. We also cater for dinner parties and other functions. We provide the food, table service and clean up before leaving. It’s a restaurant experience at home.
4) What is the most challenging aspects of running a top catering business?
The most challenging aspect of our business is coming up with new ideas and to keep creating new and contemporary menus.
5) Where do you get your culinary inspiration?
Our inspiration comes everything from cooking shows, the internet, cooking magazines and dining out. We also do research in Japan regarding contemporary menus.
6) Can you tell us about the philosophy behind the products and ingredients you use in your cooking and why?
Our philosophy is to always use fresh locally grown, preferably organic produce. We support our local farmers markets. We like to use local vegetable that are in season whenever possible. We also grow some vegetables and herbs organically in our garden.
7) What is a normal day (a busy day) as a caterer?
An average day would be starting at 5.30 with food prep for lunches. This has to be done by 9.00 when delivery starts. All meals are delivered by 11.30 then its back home to organise dinner and/or catering functions. During the afternoon shopping for groceries and seafood and then food prep for night time meals. Deliveries start at 6pm and when finished its time to check orders and appointments for next day. Our day usually ends by 10pm
8.) What is your advice to people looking for a good catering provider? What questions should be asked before hiring a catering company?
Hen searching for a catering service I would recommend that a person get references from previous clients. Also check menus and prices and ask what is included in the price and make sure there are no hidden or extra costs. Also ask if the produce they use is local.
9) What is the most challenging thing about being an entrepreneur in the catering industry?
Keeping up with changing food ideas and creating new menus. Finding a balance to create a menu that is contemporary and suits everyone.
10) What is your company’s signature dish? (and what makes it yummy!)
Our signature dish would have to be Baked Blue Eyed Cod with soy, mushroom, coriander and mirin sauce served with macadamia crumble.
11) Now time to tell us what makes your food and your catering services amazing? (time for self promotion!)
The thing that makes our food and catering service amazing is that we love what we do and all our meals are made with love and attention to detail. We not only make a meal but it is important to us to make them balanced and nutritional. Most of our customers have been buying our meals and using our catering service for the last 10 years. We have made a lot of friends during the course of our journey with food and hope to continue to do so. We enjoy having a personal touch and a homemade style of cooking.
