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When someone decides to venture into the small business world, it's understandable that they have a certain amount of hesitation and concern. It was easier for Virginia and David Lane when they decided to buy cozy caterers in Providence. Both of Virginia and Dave grew up in small business families. David’s family ran a small catering business in Greenville, while Virginia's father ran his own floral distribution business in Connecticut with customers in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York. Dave started working in the family catering business at age 14, washing dishes and doing whatever needed to be done he eventually joined his father and brother in the operation of the business. It's a similar story for Virginia. She helped her family business with the flower arrangements until she graduated from high school and enrolled in Salvi Regina University in Newport. At a social event at college Virginia met Dave and they eventually married. In 1987, the prior owners of cozy caterers, another husband and wife team, approached Dave and Virginia about buying the business. The couple had operated the firm for 44 years and they wanted to retire. But they didn't want to sell the company to just anyone. The previous owners wanted to make certain that Dave and Virginia would have the ability and experience to operate successfully. At first Dave and Virginia turned down the offer. However their parents encouraged them to buy the business. Dave said his father told him that they would never starve. "You could always eat the leftovers!" Having been raised in small-business families, the lanes knew the pitfalls of running a small business. So after much thought and parental urging, Dave and Virginia purchased cozy caterers. Though the name of the company hadn't changed, at first Dave and Virginia had to prove themselves. Cozy caterers had a reputation as an Italian catering business with good food and attention to the needs of the customers. The transition was easy. Cozy caterers has been a successful business for four decades. But the previous owners had not yet modernized the operation over the years. |
Dave said his father told him that they would never starve, "You could always eat the leftovers!"
One of the first obstacles was modernization. The couple had to buy new China and make some kitchen improvements, including the purchase of a dishwasher. The company trucks were old and in disrepair and also had to be replaced. The couple needed money to help pay for the needed improvements. They approached coastal a credit union and with the help of a small-business administration loan guarantee, cozy caterers received the capital it needed to make the improvements. They credit the small-business administration assistance with allowing the company to remaining business. Three years ago the lanes faced another challenge. Virginia suffered a stroke and needed brain surgery. She was incapacitated for nine months and her absence placed an enormous strain and Dave and the business. Contract bids didn't get out and opportunities were missed. Business definitely suffered. Despite the gloomy outlook, Dave said the employees were extremely supportive. Virginia has made a remarkable recovery and although still not backed full-time, she does assist as often she can. Dave says the catering business in Rhode Island has definitely changed. In the past there were not as many venues for parties. In recent years more hotels have opened that provide the catering facilities. Before people would ran calls for events and hire a caterer. That doesn't happen as much anymore. Cozy caterers derives much of its business today from corporate functions. At first the company catered mostly weddings. Cozy caterers now lists Narragansett electric, Gilbane construction, and a number of federal, state, and municipal agencies among their clients. The lanes say that they make every effort to work within the customer’s budget to help make an event a success. The couple agrees that it is important to stay on top of the latest party trends, and to remain in touch with customer needs. As Virginia puts it, " you’re only as good as your last event." |
