Running Chicago’s Top Catering Business: Chef Charles on Blue Plate’s Success

#catering #food #foodindustry In this episode of The Duce Raymond Podcast, Duce sits down with Chef Charles, Executive Chef at Blue Plate, Chicago’s largest catering company. They dive deep into the world of catering, exploring topics like collaboration in the industry, day-to-day operations as an executive chef, and the unique challenges of retaining talent during off-peak seasons. Chef Charles also shares his inspiration behind Blue Plate’s upcoming Spring/Summer 2025 menu and how they incorporate current food trends and dietary preferences.1:23 - Introductions1:49 - Chef Charlie’s Culinary Journey3:17 - Adapting to Unexpected Catering Challenges6:26 - Reunion at Catersource & Blue Plate’s Growth9:59 - Collaboration in Catering13:12 - Day in the Life of an Executive Chef16:01 - Challenges in Retaining Talent17:57 - Photo Shoot & Menu Inspiration20:04 - Simplicity in Catering Production24:00 - Sustainability and Local Sourcing27:52 - Rewards of the Culinary Industry32:54 - Upcoming Projects at Blue Plate36:41 - LCA and Collaboration in the Catering Industry39:45 - Lightning Round43:45 - Closing RemarksFollow Chef Charlie on Social:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-haracz-92a194128/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueplatechefc/Follow Blue Plate on Social: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BluePlateCateringChicagoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueplatechicago/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-plate/X: https://x.com/blueplatecaterYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC-mseP98ZflkPXGuEa7QWjw  Website: https://blueplatechicago.com/Follow Us on Social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetbabyrayscatering/   Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetbabyrayscatering   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetbabyrayscatering   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweet-baby-ray's-catering/?viewAsMember=true    Website: https://www.sweetbabyraysbbq.com/#catering #food #foodindustry