October 29, 2024
Progressive Insurance’s Driving Small Business Forward Program Recognizes Local Culinary Staffing Company’s Innovative Solution
HeyChef!, Lake Tahoe’s premier culinary staffing company, is thrilled to announce its selection as one of just 20 companies nationwide to receive a grant from the Progressive Insurance Driving Small Business Forward program. This generous award was given to companies demonstrating a critical need for a commercial vehicle to enhance their operations.
The grant arrives at a pivotal time for HeyChef! and the local event industry. Since 2019, when Truckee’s only party rental company closed its doors, caterers and event planners in the region faced significant logistical challenges. Forced to rely on rental companies in distant Reno or Roseville, local businesses and their clients have encountered hefty delivery fees that threaten to derail the budgets of special events.
“These rental charges are understandable, but they can make or break our ability to deliver a quality experience to our clients, who are shocked to learn we have no local option,” said Holly Verbeck, founder and owner of HeyChef!. “We saw this as an opportunity to reduce costs for our clients and grow our business as well. We’ll do whatever it takes to serve our clients, so now we’ve been promoted from ‘chief cook and bottle-washer’ to also being the delivery driver!’”
To mitigate these high delivery fees, HeyChef! has offered clients a discount and handled smaller rental orders, such as plates and glassware, using their existing company vehicle. However, the company’s ability to accommodate larger items, like tables and chairs, was limited. With the new commercial vehicle funded by the grant, HeyChef! will be equipped to take on more substantial rental orders, saving money for clients while also increasing their profits on every event.
This award positions HeyChef! to lead the charge in solving the party rental delivery problem in the Truckee – Lake Tahoe area and makes it possible for the company to serve clients who want to plan their own party for the upcoming holidays or coordinate an off-site corporate retreat this fall. To make a reservation and start planning your next in-home culinary event today, contact HeyChef!
