Formed in the early 1960s, Mario’s was more about premium meat than the mop-tops taking over airwaves worldwide. Upon her father’s retirement in 1987, Lynda Bell took over the Mario’s family food business and catering soon became a focal point of the Elkhart, Indiana-based company.
Any veteran business owner could likely predict why Mario’s evolved into catering – location, location, location. Lynda bought and remodeled a building near an industrial park and, by chance, a business there wanted catering. Humble beginnings led way to upwards of 30 corporate luncheons a week.
What separates Mario’s from other catering businesses?
“Don’t send anything to a client that you wouldn’t eat yourself.” Lynda stands by the company motto and proudly doesn’t “sell junk.” She doesn’t buy junk from vendors either. And if someone manages to pass any through, Lynda demands money back.
The special sauce behind this business appears to be in the details.
“I never say ‘No.’ I figure if you do the little stuff, you can do the big stuff.”
And that big stuff, by the way, is available for order and delivery online.
What were your biggest concerns about owning a business?
“Am I going to get married and have a family, or am I going to own a business?” Lynda asks her former self with a half-laugh.
She chose business. Lynda admits the work isn’t easy and there are days where it nearly kills her. With the economic recession, multiple catering businesses have fallen flat or succumbed to “cheap” goods. But Lynda maintains dedication to high-quality products and does so with a genuine passion for customer service even when times are tough.
“Every day I get up though, I love going to work.” Continuing on, she proclaims, “Yes, I’m particular … about what I sell … how it looks.”
How has your relationship with Horizon Bank helped your business?
“Being a woman in business is not the easiest thing in the world,” Lynda notes. She had previous experience with smaller banks, but they “had no real personal service.”
“(Our Horizon rep) and Horizon, they are probably one of the most accommodating,” Lynda adds. “She comes to my coffee shop and has lunch. She promotes our business. She does give back.” Thanks to Horizon Bank and its philosophy, Lynda says, she’s treated like much more than a number on a page.
Read more about Mario’s online at http://marioscateringinc.com/