The only constant in life is change. When Carol Garnier started Prepped with Love, she imagined it as a meal prep company. However, when she realized her customers had different needs, she adapted her business for the better. Prepping in Westminster, Calif., a neighboring city to where Cambro’s headquarters are located, Garnier’s food is rooted in her family tradition of creative cooking. Each dish from Prepped with Love is a fusion of heartfelt inspiration and a rich family history.
What inspired you to get into foodservice?
“One of my fondest memories of my life is growing up in the kitchen with my mom and grandma. Food is their love language, which I adopted as well because I was always helping prepare food for family dinners and large parties. It wasn’t until my mid 30’s that I came to the realization that the foundational informal culinary skills that I learned growing up could be applied in the food industry. I left the corporate world and pursued culinary school at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa.”
What do you love about your business?
“My culinary evolution of adaptation and being able to apply my love for cooking and baking to my client’s needs as seasons change. Repeat customers and catering clients who have been instrumental in the success of my business inspire me to continue to strive to exceed their expectations every single time with new baked goods and savory dishes.”
What’s the most interesting thing to happen to your business?
“Initially, I started off this business and had my heart set on being a meal prep company. However, based on demand, we started lunch service and catering which has become hugely successful because my clients have entrusted me to hone in on my creative culinary side and create an incredible menu for their events based on what they have sampled from my lunch entrees. I love being a part of all of my clients’ life events and celebrations, it is truly an honor.”
What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
“One of the challenges I have encountered in my business is that not everyone is as passionate as I am when it comes to all things culinary. For most people, this is merely a job for them that pays their bills and they do not necessarily love cooking as much as I love it. I love what I do so much that coming in to the restaurant everyday isn’t work to me but more so my passion project and hobby.”
Which Cambro products help make your business work?
“My favorite Cambro products are the Cam GoBox® Front Loaders. I use them for catering, and they are AMAZING! Lightweight, keeps food hot, stackable and easy to clean. This product has been key to the success of my business!”
About Prepped with Love
Location: Westminster, Calif.
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