Charlotte Post column features Encore Catering

Oct. 20, 2011

The following column by Tanya Wilson appeared on the editorial page of The Charlotte Post under the headline, "Feeding community, job preparation."

Our community becomes stronger when we support each other.  If we are open to the concept of each one teach one, as well as, being deliberate about discovering opportunities that drive positive results, we all will benefit.

Encore Catering located in Charlotte is doing just that.  A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is doing great things in our community.

Launched in 2001 as a revenue-generating arm of the nonprofit Community Culinary School of Charlotte, has proven to be a solid success.  CCSC provides a free culinary arts training and job assistance program for adults who have experienced barriers to employment.  Whether that barrier is lack of training, incarceration, homelessness or substance abuse, this opportunity has the potential of changing life experiences.

Located in Charlotte’s historic SouthEnd community, Encore and CCSC share a kitchen with Friendship Trays, Mecklenburg County’s largest meals on wheels program.  The three programs work together to improve the lives of thousands of people throughout the Charlotte region on a weekly basis.  With the exception of the Chef and administrative personnel, Encore Catering is staffed by students and its graduates.

I had the good fortune of learning of Encore as I was in the market for a caterer for my daughter’s wedding.  The experience was outstanding.  The professional approach beginning with my first encounter with event specialist Elise Barksdale, to the day of the event interactions with culinary production coordinator Chelsa Howard, the interactions were nothing short of first class. 

Whether you are in the market for a boxed lunch, a catered event to include plated events, or hors d’ oeuvres, and much more, Encore is a great option to consider.  The benefit to you is two-fold, not only will you enjoy amazing food selections and phenomenal service, but you will be supporting an outstanding cause.

Information sharing is another powerful tool that we have in our community.  Learning more about Encore and all its offerings will provide you with the information and details necessary to share with someone else that might be in the market for a caterer, or employment challenged.

This week’s “best of us” example is Encore Catering.  To learn more, visit www.encorecatering.org, or call (704) 790-8646. If you have an example of “the best of us,” share at tanya.wilson@thecharlottepost.com. 

TANYA WILSON is an inspiration writer and columnist. To learn more about her work, visit www.360you.net.

Read the column on the Post website.

Encore Catering

A full-service catering company supporting the mission of The Community Culinary School of Charlotte
2401-A Distribution St. Charlotte, NC 28203   voice: 704-790-8646   fax: 704-790-6368   e-mail us