by PIDCphila
April 27, 2020
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Whether you’re in need of catering for a business luncheon, corporate banquet, wedding, repast service, dinner party, corporate event, social gathering, or themed event, Eatible Delights Catering has you covered with its self-proclaimed creative menus and top-notch service with a dazzling presentation. As a full service off-premise caterer specializing in classic American cuisine with a modern flair, Eatible Delights Catering has it all — from healthy soups and salads and mouth-watering entrees to delectable desserts and a variety of appetizers. For 24 years, the company has served celebrities, elected officials, businesses, and residents, but its success did not come without challenges.
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Compliments to the Chef
After graduating from OIC of Philadelphia, where he received hospitality and culinary training, owner, Chef David Simms, operated concession stands and worked at local restaurants in the early 1990s, while running his own business, David’s Place Restaurant, on Lehigh Avenue in Philadelphia. During this time, David and a partner also started a catering company, initially called Edible Delights Catering. After two years, the duo separated for creative differences and David kept the company going. In 1996, he officially formed the business, renaming it Eatible Delights Catering. “I still had that passion for food and bringing people together,” said David.
David’s passion for food, strong work ethic, and stellar reviews quickly caught the attention of others, in and outside of Philadelphia. “In 1996, I got my first big break where I was contacted by a company in Texas to help with the MLB All-Star Game to provide Caesar salad for 750 people,” said David. “They also asked me if I would be able to provide food for Aretha Franklin who, at that time, was singing the national anthem.” It wasn’t long before David and his team’s skills for cuisine were in high demand for similar large events. He and his team needed a space to accommodate the surge in business, so in 2006, David rented a space on Ridge Avenue in Philadelphia and dedicated himself to his catering business full-time as business continued to grow. “For [Philadelphia’s] mayoral elections in 2007, I got the opportunity to do 1,500 box lunches for [former Philadelphia Mayor] Michael Nutter, 1,000 lunches for [2007 mayoral candidate] Tom Knox, and 1,000 lunches for U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans.”
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“PIDC was not only instrumental in helping me to purchase the building, but also in helping me get my credit straight, helping me to evaluate my current situation, and helping me to clear up judgments [on my credit report].” -David Simms
A Side of Help from PIDC
Unfortunately, David faced multiple legal challenges with his landlords over the building maintenance at the Ridge Avenue facility. Driven by his passion for food and serving others, David began pondering solutions to improve his situation. “I asked my accountant if we could afford to purchase a building, and she told me, ‘With the numbers you’re doing, yes, you can,’” said David. Eventually, in April 2019, David sought the help of PIDC to fund the purchase of a new building, moving expenses, and new equipment.
With the help of PIDC’s Commercial Mortgage Loan, David purchased a building at 1540 Wadsworth Avenue where the business relocated in November 2019. “We’re very excited to be at our new location! PIDC was not only instrumental in helping me to purchase the building, but also in helping me get my credit straight, helping me to evaluate my current situation, and helping me to clear up judgments [on my credit report],” said David. To further his credit knowledge and financial growth, he joined the 2019-2020 PIDC/Clarifi Boot Camp — a 6-month financial coaching and credit counseling program for entrepreneurs, exclusive to PIDC clients.
With a little over two decades in business, David has learned a lot through his own business challenges and triumphs. His advice to other business owners is 1) build great relationships with people because you may need to lean on those people during trying times, 2) always be willing to do a little bit more, and 3) pay your taxes on time to avoid tax debt.
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Culinary Accomplishments
Before, during, and after the move into a new building, Eatible Delights Catering has had steady growth, even through the challenges. Since its inception, Eatible Delights Catering has boasted a multitude of accomplishments. The company has served many notable figures throughout the years, including musicians such as Jill Scott, The Whispers, Elton John, Will Downing, Patti Labelle, the late Tena Marie, and the late Aretha Franklin; politicians such as former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Councilmember Cherelle L. Parker; and entities such as The Philadelphia Business Journal, the Urban League of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Parking Authority, and PIDC, just to name a few. David has been featured on NBC Nightly News, CBS 3 Talk Philly, Comcast Network Channel CN8, CBS 3, and the 10! Show for cooking segments and his knowledge on small business ownership.
Today, Eatible Delights Catering hosts close to 300 events a year and, in addition to Philadelphia, serves Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, and Montgomery County, along with Delaware, Washington DC, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York.
In regard to what led to the company’s amazing success and longevity, David credits the hard work and dedication of his entire staff, which consists of nine people. “I want everyone to have an experience with Eatible Delights. I want to not just serve good food but have great food and an outstanding staff. That’s what gets me up every day,” said David. “I know my employees depend on me. I have to make good choices, make sound decisions, and form good relationships so that my employees can blossom and build from the relationships too.”
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Pushing Forward During COVID-19 Pandemic
Eatible Delights Catering remains open during this time for lunch and dinner meal prep, pick-up, and deliveries only. See their website for the menu and hours. David highly recommends his lollipop lamb chops, Dijon chicken salad, brisket of beef, and hot penne pasta salad with a sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
“I still love what I do. I’m still passionate about what I do, and I’m looking forward to the many years in front of me and the services that we’re going to provide,” said David. Click here to read Philly Grub’s recent article discussing how Eatible Delights is serving Philadelphia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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If you’re a small business or nonprofit in need of financing to purchase a building that you either currently occupy or intend to relocate, message us now to get started on the Commercial Mortgage Loan application process.
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