We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chef Joshua Vandervort. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chef Joshua below.

Chef Joshua, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

One of the most memorable moments I had with a customer was during a particularly busy evening. There was a couple celebrating their anniversary, and they mentioned in passing that they had a favorite dish they used to have at a restaurant that no longer exists. The dish wasn’t on our menu, but I made it my mission to recreate it for them based on the flavors they described. I sourced the ingredients that same day, and surprised them with the dish during their meal. The look on their faces when they took that first bite was priceless—like they were transported back to a cherished memory. They expressed so much gratitude, and it reinforced for me how important it is to connect emotionally with food. It’s more than a meal; it’s an experience. I believe they felt not just appreciated but deeply understood, which is always my goal with every dish I prepare.

Chef Joshua, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I grew up in a family where food was always the heart of every gathering. I realized early on that food has the power to bring people together and tell a story. My culinary journey began at a young age, working in kitchens across different cities, learning the nuances of regional flavors and techniques. Now, as a chef, I specialize in creating globally inspired dishes that have a personal twist, catering to those who want an elevated dining experience. What sets me apart is my ability to balance creativity with tradition—I like to surprise my guests with familiar flavors presented in unexpected ways. Whether it’s a high-end dinner service or a casual catering event, I always strive to provide a memorable experience that evokes emotion. What I’m most proud of is the ability to continuously innovate while still staying true to the roots of my craft. I want people to know that I’m passionate about storytelling through food, and that every dish is designed to create an experience, not just a meal.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My business partner is actually my children’s mother, Briana, which makes our partnership not just professional, but deeply personal. We’ve known each other for years, of course, but the decision to go into business together came from our shared passion for creating something lasting—not just for ourselves, but for our children. We both bring different strengths to the table; I handle the culinary side, while she excels in operations and customer relations. Over time, we realized that our combined skills and vision were a powerful foundation for building something meaningful. We understand each other’s values and are committed to growing this business in a way that reflects the importance of family and collaboration.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

One of my favorite marketing stories comes from when we launched a new seasonal tasting menu. The challenge was that we had just opened, and we were still trying to build a reputation in a competitive market. We decided to take a risk by offering a one-night, exclusive chef’s table experience—completely free to a select few customers who followed us on social media. The catch? They had to trust us enough to come to the dinner without knowing any details about the menu. It was a bold move, but it paid off. The buzz generated from this mystery dining event was incredible. Guests were blown away by the creativity and quality of the dishes, and they couldn’t stop talking about it on social media. The risk was worth it, as it not only increased our follower count but also brought in new customers who were curious to try the unique experience. It was a pivotal moment for our business, and it taught me the power of creating intrigue and building excitement around our brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.toctogo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toctogocatering
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toctogocatering/