In a year that presented unprecedented challenges to businesses across the globe, 12th Street Catering in Philadelphia stood out not only for its resilience but also for its profound commitment to the community. Recognized as an example of Inspiring Excellence by the Chamber of Commerce, this small to mid-size business demonstrated remarkable adaptability and a deep-seated dedication to making a difference during extraordinary times. This article delves into the story of 12th Street Catering, highlighting how they navigated the pandemic, supported their community, and reimagined their services.
From Hiatus to Heroism: Supporting Frontline Workers and the Homeless
Like many businesses in the hospitality industry, 12th Street Catering faced an abrupt halt in operations in March 2020. Michele Leff, Principal of 12th Street Catering, made the difficult decision to donate their perishable food and temporarily close down as events were canceled and uncertainty loomed. However, this hiatus was short-lived. A turning point came with a call from a long-term corporate client who sought to establish a weekly food donation initiative for local frontline workers. Responding swiftly to this call to action, 12th Street Catering reassembled a core team and sprang back into action.
The impact of their efforts was immediately evident. The outpouring of gratitude from frontline workers served as a powerful motivator for the team. Building on this momentum, 12th Street Catering expanded their community support by partnering with a city-funded program dedicated to feeding the homeless, further extending their reach to vulnerable populations within Philadelphia. More recently, their corporate partnership evolved to include an urban farm focused on building equity and fostering economic opportunity. This collaboration allows 12th Street Catering to contribute vegetable boxes and nutritious meals directly to the community, creating a sustainable and impactful model of giving back.
Reimagining Celebrations: The Celebration Box Innovation
Beyond their critical work addressing food insecurity, 12th Street Catering also demonstrated innovation in adapting their core business model. Recognizing that people still desired to celebrate important life events despite social distancing restrictions, they creatively reimagined event catering. The answer was the “Celebration Box,” a curated meal experience designed for virtual gatherings. This innovative offering allowed clients to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions safely, enabling guests to connect virtually while enjoying the same high-quality meal together. This pivot showcased 12th Street Catering’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of their clientele in a challenging environment.
A Mission of Community and Resilience
Michele Leff’s leadership throughout this period has been nothing short of exemplary. Her tireless efforts to reinvent 12th Street Catering while simultaneously addressing community needs underscore a deep commitment to both her business and the city of Philadelphia. Beyond the initiatives already mentioned, 12th Street Catering made it a company mission to donate all excess food to homeless shelters, ensuring that resources were maximized to help those in need. They also prioritized bringing back employees to work, providing crucial economic support to their team during widespread unemployment. Furthermore, recognizing the challenges faced by the catering industry as a whole, 12th Street Catering actively collaborated with other local caterers to establish best practices for hosting safe events, contributing to the overall well-being of the Philadelphia events community.
In conclusion, the story of 12th Street Catering during these unprecedented times is one of inspiring excellence. Their proactive response to the pandemic, their unwavering support for frontline workers and vulnerable populations, and their innovative approach to adapting their business model exemplify resilience and community spirit. 12th Street Catering is a testament to the power of local businesses to make a significant positive impact, even in the face of adversity, solidifying their place as a pillar of the Philadelphia community.
