News & Features
September 2005

Area caterer offers meals to go

Pete Cournoyer and Larry Gaine, owners of Micknucks in Sturbridge and Big Bunny in Southbridge, recognize an untapped market when they see one. When a local baker moved her business from a station in Micknucks to her own shop, Gaines and Cournoyer were quick to act on a "meals to go" niche market. And they knew just who to cal—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 St. (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.