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Gersky's Restaurant opened in March 1988
in the Building Design Center in Yorktown Heights. Our mission was to
provide breakfast and lunch to the employees and patrons of the Design
Center and to people who lived and worked nearby. Gersky's menu and
service was that of a typical deli (although not typical Italian) serving
egg sandwiches, bagels, and the like for breakfast; deli sandwiches,
specialty salads, hot entrees, and soups for lunch.
Soon
after we opened, we created a Party Planner
menu to provide people with "party foods."
The menu contained hot and cold hors d'oeuvres,
specialty chicken, vegetable, and pasta salads,
hot entrees, large wedges, and cold cut platters.
Before long, customers began asking for other
types of foods, service staff, rental equipment
(tents, tables, chairs, etc.), and complete
customized packages for their party. The more
they asked for, the more we did. Soon we began
suggesting ideas for client's events. We developed
innovative menus for Backyard Barbecues, Valentine's
day, Passover, the Jewish New Year, and Thanksgiving.
Catering sales grew yearly in spite of little
or no advertising or promotion. In January, 1998 we relocated to Mahopac to concentrate
solely on Catering and Event Planning. Our goal now is to take Gersky's
to the next level.
Today
at Gersky's we offer our clients a wide range of foods and services
depending on the type and style of event the client is planning. Foods
can be as simple as vegetable or cold cut platters for a home party
to an elaborate display of hors d'oeuvres, action and carving stations,
entrees, and desserts for a wedding. All foods are prepared under Joel's
direction and meet his strict requirements before any food leaves his
kitchen. Our catering business is more than just providing good
food. We know we must also provide exceptional service. When a person
shops for catering, many times they don't know what they want. They
will, however, "know it when they see it." Also, they won't buy from
someone they don't trust will provide them with the food and service
they need. A good caterer knows he can provide the food and service
the customer wants. An exceptional caterer knows he must begin to build
a relationship with a potential client long before the sale is made. Not only Joel and Howie but all of the senior staff
at Gersky's are acutely aware of how critically important superior service
is to the success of Gersky's. Parties
are given for a reason. It can be a yearly holiday gathering or a once
in a lifetime Bar Mitzvah or wedding. We believe that the best parties
are the sum of their details, so clients are presented with options
within their budget - that will create just the mood and emotions
they wish to express. We begin by asking a lot of questions, since that is
how we can envision the party as a whole and plan every aspect accordingly
to meet the client's goals. We need to know the overall look and style
of the event - from colors, floral design and music to how the party
will flow and the needs of specific guests. Clients rely on our years
of experience, and know that every detail will be carefully considered. Our meticulous preparation, along with supervision
by on site managers trained to handle any situation, creates the ultimate
tranquility for our clients. They can savor the moment and enjoy their
own event. Gersky's has been and continues to be successful because
of our ability to cost-effectively develop innovative menus and service
options to our clients. Both Howie and Joel comprise a company core whose whole
is truly greater than the sum of its parts: Howie Gershman, President and Director of Catering
- Business manager and in charge of all "front of the house" activities
including customer service. Joel Comiskey, Vice President and Executive Chef -
Directs a kitchen staff of up to 6 people on a daily basis. In charge
of all food purchases and menu development. Joel is a graduate of The
Culinary Institute of America. |