Brooklyn's Progress
October/November 2007

BY MELISSA CHAPMAN

Just seven months after serving its first client, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Member Adam’s Fresh, Inc. has made quite a name for itself in the world of corporate catering and events. The extent of their popularity in Brooklyn and Manhattan is so impressive that the business recently relocated from a 450-square foot space in Clinton Hill to one four times that size on Atlantic Avenue in Downtown, Brooklyn.

“Due to the large number of orders that we get daily, we simply outgrew our old space!” said Elizabeth Lehmann, Adam’s Fresh, Inc. partner and vice president.

In addition to Ms. Lehmann, there are three other partners who manage the establishment: Adam Woldman, president and executive chef, Julianne Santillo, director of catering/sales and Ivan Hernandez, sous chef.

Adam’s Fresh has built its reputation on delivering freshness, flavor, culinary finesse and excellence in client satisfaction. Their menu offers interesting and creative options for breakfasts, lunches and dinners that include baked goods, sandwiches, salads, hot entrees, pasta, beverages and homemade desserts.

According to Ms. Santillo, the company has already grabbed the attention of the Food Network and NY1 News by catering for their employees.

Looking to Grow
Even before the business was up and running, the owners started researching membership organizations to partner with.

“From the beginning I knew that being active in the community’s chamber of commerce would be a really good resource,” Ms. Lehmann explained. “I always tell people that the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce was my first friend in the area.” 

Since joining the Chamber in December of 2006, Adam’s Fresh has benefited from several programs and services, including promotion and staffing from Good Help - a free service that connects employers with qualified potential employees.

“Kameka Green was very helpful in helping us to find a great office assistant.” Ms. Green is the Chamber’s Workforce Development Specialist.

Plans for the company’s new, larger space include converting the front of the building into a retail outlet for baked goods. Mr. Woldman said that this vision will be realized in October of this year. In terms of a long-term goal, wholesaling the Adam’s Fresh brand seems to be on the company’s agenda.

“It would be great to partner with a large food company like Whole Foods, for example,” said Ms. Lehmann.

For more information about Adam’s Fresh, or to place an order for your next corporate event, contact Ms. Lehmann at (917) 723-4547 or adamsfresh@verizon.net. To find out more about the Chamber’s Good Help program, contact Mike Rosenthal at (718) 943-3885, or visit http://www.ibrooklyn.com/.