Meet Megan Mcandress | Catering Director / Partner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Megan Mcandress and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Megan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Willingness to take risks is integral to grow as a human and an entrepreneur. It may feel comfortable to play things safe within the realms of what’s familiar, but doing so will limit your personal development. It’s important to listen to the quiet voice inside yourself, urging you onward towards uncharted territory. I’ve found that each small leap of faith has given me the confidence to take larger leaps; each choice creating a launching pad for the next.

It’s also important to fail sometimes, and keep an open mind when you do. Reframe your thoughts to ask what important lessons you gained when risk taking leads to unintended results, and incorporate that knowledge into your toolbox as you continue your adventure in the unknown. Occasional failure builds resiliency as well as more appreciation every time you do hit the bull’s eye.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I can’t say it wouldn’t have happened otherwise, but I believe our business was born as a result of the absolute havoc caused by the pandemic.

At the time I was working as the catering and events manager for a local restaurant that had been a landmark in our city for over a decade. Our industry was especially impacted from the initial closures, losing core long-term staff, a seemingly ever-revolving door of new hires, and decreased sales over time as inflation crept up and up.

Everything about operating the restaurant felt stacked against us, yet somehow the catering element of the business continued to grow. COVID revealed that although consumers may be cutting back on daily indulgences like dining out, special occasions remained important enough to invest in regardless of the economic climate. I saw this as an opportunity and, together with the executive chef, approached our boss with the idea to pivot into a catering-only business model. We learned that there were two and a half years remaining in the restaurant’s lease contract, which would be the amount of time we had to prove it a viable plan.

I understood the initial investment to reach our goal would be difficult and come with much sacrifice, but working alongside exceptional people that exemplify grit and perseverance in the face of ongoing, relentlessly challenging conditions is motivating and creates an environment where unlikely things can be achieved. We imagined a future where we could thrive professionally while regaining a healthier work-life balance, and it became our guiding light.

I learned the power of having a clear vision and objective to manifest over time, step by step. I am so proud of us for sticking it out through that difficult time, and happy to say that our dream has become reality. I am also fully aware that it wouldn’t have been possible without all of our efforts, and grateful for the solid foundation we now have as business partners.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Without question, they’d be staying at the stylish and fun Dwell Hotel, which just so happens to house my favorite spot for delicious and thoughtfully-crafted cocktails, Matilda Midnight.

In the warmer months I’d suggest we visit Suck Creek and the Blue Hole for swimming in cool, pristine mountain waters. It’s also fun to rent a pontoon boat from Erwin Marine Riverfront and explore the river gorge north of the city. Regardless of the time of year, there’s no shortage of incredible trails to hike with beautiful overlooks of the city, river, and surrounding mountains.

Browsing Dirty Jane’s antiques and grabbing a bite from the Yummy Thai food truck outside is a perfect afternoon activity. My best friend happens to be a cat lover, so we’d also stop by the relaxing and unique Naughty Cat Cafe in St. Elmo.

Zaya Steakhouse has an incredible lunch menu, affordable yet comparable to its upscale dinner offerings. The beef carpaccio at Malone’s is so good it warrants a trip to Hamilton Place. Some of my favorite dinner spots are Sidetrack, Mezcla and Taqueria Jalisco. Civil Provisions for Sunday brunch, and Elsie’s Daughter or Rosecomb for drinks.

If a day trip is in the cards, we could go tubing on the Lower Ocoee, to the Lost Sea Adventure, or to one of the many charming towns within a few hours’ drive like Elijay or Blue Ridge.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so grateful to be in an industry of motivated individuals who create a network of support and camaraderie. Our business wouldn’t be possible if not for the consistent referrals and encouragement of our peers. I’d especially like to shout out Cris and Dave Angsten of Oakleaf Cottage, who have been a sounding board for ideas and questions over the past several years.

Website: https://www.goodcompanycatering.com

Instagram: @good.co.catering

Image Credits
Portraits by Wagner Abercrombie Lane