Dinner for One, for Two, for a Slew

 
Sturbridge, MA— Pete Cournoyer and Larry Gaine, owners of Micknucks in Sturbridge and Big Bunny in Southbridge, recognize an untapped market when they see one. When the local baker moved her business from a station in Micknucks to her own shop, Gaines and Cournoyer were quick to act on "meals to go" niche market. And they knew just who to call-–Liz DeLuca, chef/owner of Red Roof Catering in Holland.

"Pete and Larry knew of my catering business because I do a great deal of my food shopping at Big Bunny," said DeLuca. "I’ve also catered a number of parties for Larry, and he has referred me to several of his friends."

Red Roof Catering’s presence at Micknucks, located at 570 Main Street (Rte. 20) in Sturbridge, is the culmination of Cournoyer and Gaine’s business savvy and DeLuca’s dreams. "I had been thinking about how to give my catering business more exposure, and ways to offer meals to go for people on their way home from work. The set-up at Micknucks is ideal."

DeLuca prepares a different hot meal each night from a varied menu that includes baked stuffed chicken, honey mustard pork, stuffed shells Florentine, macaroni and cheese for kids, Friday night baked fish, and her renown lemon chicken. Hot meals include a side starch–potato, noodles, or rice–plus a vegetable, small tossed salad, and a cookie for dessert. Dinner prices range from $6.99 - $7.99. The day’s hot meal is posted on the in-store blackboard, or people may call 508-347-3341 for the daily specials. People can order in advance or simply stop in and pick up a meal on their way home.

"I also offer prepared, heat and serve cold case meals that feed more than one person, such as casseroles, pot pies, Shepherd’s pie, and French meat pies made from my French Canadian Mémé’s recipe." Cold case meals range from $5.99 - $10.99.

"People who want food catered for a party or event now have a pick-up option, which is less expensive than having food delivered and served." A minimum of three days notice is required for catering items. "Of course, full-service catering complete with wait staff is available, too."

Liz DeLuca, a resident of Holland, has been cooking for others for more than a decade. "If you told me when I first got married that I would be in the food business I would have laughed. I truly was one of those people who couldn’t boil water."

DeLuca’s husband, Joe, came from an Italian family where food and mealtime is central to family life. "When I got married Joe’s father and grandmother taught me everything about cooking. We started with homemade manicotti, my husband’s favorite."

The DeLuca’s have three children, Erica, 17, Frank, 15, and Michael, 13. Despite the long hours DeLuca has more time with her family. "Everyone in the family pitches in. Even my husband! I love having my family working with me."

When DeLuca was young she dreamed of having a storefront business. "In high school and college I made my own clothes so I assumed my storefront would be in fashion." DeLuca turned to look out one of the two, eight-foot windows and smiled. "Now I have my storefront, and my family by my side." For Liz DeLuca, it is truly a dream come true.

Red Roof Catering at Micknucks, 570 Main St. (Rte 20), Fiskdale, MA 01518. Contact Liz DeLuca: tel. 508-347-3341. Hours of operations: Monday-Friday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.