Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandra Hanscome.
Hi Alexandra, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
The single mother is originally from Fairfield County, CT. Growing up, I was always in the kitchen with big family gatherings. Raised around Italian food, growing up to the smell of Sunday sauce at my grandparent’s house. My parents ended up opening a restaurant and then eventually a catering company. I started working at a very young age in the industry alongside my parents.
They eventually closed the restaurant/catering company and at the age of 15, I got my first real job bussing tables at a small pizzeria. We ended up moving down to South Carolina at the age of 18 and I continued in the restaurant industry. Learning all aspects of the front and back of the house. At the age of 22, I decided to go to culinary school. Every event they held, I made sure to volunteer for. I enjoyed catering so much. I continued to work in the front and back of the house between a few jobs when a bar patron asked if I could cater their wedding. Knowing my father had experienced it and I as well, I jumped at the idea. Little did I know, That was the start of Philomena’s Catering Co.
We named the company after my grandmother, to pay respects to where it all began. Now almost four years later and my company is just thriving more than ever! I specialize in old-school classic Italian food but cook everything from Southern comfort food to high-end gourmet. We cater to all-size events from weddings to small intimate dinners. We also offer meal planning to several clients on a weekly basis focusing on controlled portioned, healthy, budget-friendly meals for lunch and dinner.
Our clients come from all over, and we have grown a great base through word of mouth. Jumping to the top spot on Google and nominated 3 years in a row for best of the grand strand.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Covid-19 was my biggest obstacle. My business is based around gatherings and they completely stopped. I pivoted to family dinners and delivering food. My meal planning also kept my business alive. I started it right before the Covid hit, not knowing what was ahead. It carried my business each week throughout the many months we were shut down.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Philomena’s Catering Co.?
Philomena’s Catering Co. is a female-owned and operated full-service catering company serving the Grand Strand and surrounding areas. We specialize in all-size events, weddings, corporate functions, family gatherings, and home meals. Our main focus is to provide a personal and innovative experience for our clients. Food is our passion and drives in every aspect. Not only is our food delicious but we make it look beautiful. We set ourselves aside from everyone else because we don’t put our eggs all in one basket. From meal planning to 7-course private chef dinners, we do it all!
What matters most to you? Why?
Making the client and their guests happy. My clients deal with me (Chef Alex) personally and completely. I really take pride in making their experience the very best from the very first phone call or email to their very last bite.
Contact Info:
- Email: Philomenascateringco@gmail.com
- Website: Philomenascateringco.com
- Facebook: Facebook.com/philomenascateringco
