Cooking up a success story: Aida’s Catering

Nothing comes from a box; everything is made from scratch using the freshest ingredients possible to create the homemade meals that’s Aida Tahhan is most proud of.

Aida opened her business in Brandon, Aida’s Catering, almost three years ago. While catering is a big part of the business, the enthusiastic entrepreneur also offers customers take-home family meals and is a bed and breakfast host.

Originally from Bethlehem, Aida uses her Mediterranean background to create healthy dishes using a lot of vegetables and little fat. As demand for fresh, homemade meals has increased, she recently decided to team up with a local restaurant where she will be able to serve or deliver her tasty dishes in individual or family serving sizes.

The launch of this enhanced portion of her business will start at the beginning of June, also at which time the restaurant that she is teaming up with will be announced. Aida’s fresh and unique dishes will be included in the local restaurant’s menu selection. While Aida has always offered fresh (as well as frozen) meals it was difficult to efficiently gauge the quantities that might be needed.

“People love fresh homemade meals, but with busy and hectic schedules they wouldn’t always get a chance to pre-order. Now, it will be much more convenient for my customers and it will be easier for us to meet and fluctuate to the demand,” said Aida.

Homemade frozen meals that are intended to be cooked at home are still available for pick up. As well, Aida also caters to small and large events and can host gatherings at her Princess Avenue location for as many as 20 guests.

“We host a variety of gatherings, everything from small business luncheons to baby showers and wedding rehearsal dinners. We also have cooking classes for a fun night out with friends or for couples,” said Aida.

While the main floor of the business houses the commercial kitchen and space for entertaining, the second floor of Aida’s Catering is a bed and breakfast which has received five-star ratings through airbdb.ca.