Photo by Travis Anderson
ALEX LOVES the Wedge Table’s breakfast tacos, made with WedgeMade tortillas and topped with a local hot sauce.
By Leigh McCarren, Ownership & Outreach Coordinator
How did you end up in the catering world?
I feel like I’ve been in the catering world forever! I started in college doing seasonal catering for VIP and premium customers at Vikings, Twins and Gopher games. It worked perfectly around my class schedule and I was working with friends, so I thought it was the best job. From there, it’s been something I’ve always stayed connected with regardless of where I’ve been. I’ve worked in both the planning and event sides of catering. Catering involves a lot of planning and good customer service skills, which I love.
What are your favorite items on the catering menu?
One of my absolute favorites is our new Up North platter. It is a unique option that includes delicious regional offerings like pickle ham roll-ups, smoked trout, Ellsworth cheese curds and our WedgeMade baguette and focaccia breads. For lunch, I’ll always go for our vegan Cilantro Peanut Tofu Wrap. I just love the fresh flavors. (You can also get this wrap in our stores!)
What do you love about your job?
I really enjoy helping to develop our seasonal menus. It gives us a chance to make sure we’re offering the best options, keeping our menu fresh, and finding new ways to expand our reach. More broadly, I love that my job allows me to connect with so many people across TCCP and in our community. We work with amazing non-profits, community organizations, co-ops and other local businesses and build strong relationships. I enjoy working closely with our stores and Co-op Partners Warehouse to make sure things are running smoothly for our catering and wholesale businesses.
What do you like to do for fun?
For fun outside of work, I’m usually trying new restaurants with friends. There’s always something fun opening around the Cities and we love to check out new places. I also really love to travel. Recently, I went to Joshua Tree National Park and I’ve traveled around Vietnam, India, Nepal and Europe on past trips. Australia is next on my list, fingers crossed!
ABOUT OUR WHOLESALE BUSINESS
Through our wholesale business, we distribute our best-selling, made-from-scratch artisan and sandwich breads, deli salads, and take & bake items to local co-ops and businesses.
Every day, we deliver artisan and sandwich breads directly from the Bakehouse at the Wedge Table to a number of local restaurants and co-ops including Bad Waitress, Seward Co-op, Eastside Co-op and Mississippi Market.
Co-op Partners Warehouse delivers our bulk deli salads and take & bake items items to customers in a 7-state area. Our top items are Alpha Omega Salad, Red Curry Tofu, Local Mac & Cheese and West African Peanut Stew.