Client Chronicles

Maria Martin

Catering by Maria, Dauphin County
$22,500 loan

Maria MartinSERVING ON AVERAGE ONE CUSTOMER PER 30 SECONDS, MARIA MARTIN’S CATERING COMPANY KNOWS HOW TO KEEP HUNGRY CLIENTS HAPPY.

Maria’s finesse for the food industry can be traced back to her childhood, when she helped out with her family’s restaurant.  After attending a seminar geared towards small business entrepreneuers, Maria established “Catering by Maria” to serve the Dauphin County area.  Word spread quickly, and in 2004 a loan from Community First Fund allowed Maria to purchase another catering truck to keep pace with the steady growth of her business.

Each morning Maria sets up the catering trucks, preparing the food ahead of time; a crew of six employees work at lightning speed to deliver breakfast and lunch items to area businesses.  The business is known not only for its fast service, but also for its delicious entrees at reasonable prices.  Maria also caters for special events, including company parties, wedding receptions, and the esteemed Governor’s Ball.

Project Profile

Business type :
Catering

 

Amount : $22,500

 

Purpose of loan :
Working capital & equipment

“As a business owner, I’ve learned the importance of treating your employees well.  If you do, they will stay with you; mine are here for the long haul!”

Maria Martin, Owner,
Catering by Maria