Brooklyn's Progress
April/May 2008

BY MELISSA CHAPMAN

For Lisa Capel, there are few things that are more satisfying than preparing a delicious, home-cooked meal.

“I draw inspiration from my mother, Elizabeth. Growing up, I remember our house always being filled with the unmistakable aroma of food being cooked using old family recipes,” said Ms. Capel.

Three years ago, Ms. Capel merged her passion for cooking with a fast growing entrepreneurial spirit to create ‘Capel's Catering Cuisine, Inc.’— a successful Southern cuisine, home-based business in Brooklyn.

“We specialize in creating novelty cakes and red velvet cupcakes, made with my grandmother’s secret recipe,” said Ms. Capel.

She explained that the cupcakes are a real hit and that her neighborhood coffee shop is her most consistent client for that product.

“At first they only bought four dozen cupcakes per week but now that number has quadrupled,” Capel explained. As a result, the catering service was given special mention in New York Magazine.

In addition to coffee shops, other retail customers include event planners, law firms and cultural institutions mainly in Brooklyn and Manhattan. However, the company delivers to all five boroughs.

“Last December I had to move to a bigger space to meet the needs of my ever growing clientele,” Ms. Capel noted. In addition, she is also actively searching for yet another Brooklyn space for the purpose of opening a storefront.

During a meeting last year with friend and fellow Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Member Marissa Watson of Shakoor’s Sweet Tooth, Ms. Capel decided that she needed to join the Brooklyn Chamber.

“I knew that the Chamber could help in providing the programs and services that I need to help my business grow.” She also stressed the importance of small business being affiliated with recognized organizations such as the Brooklyn Chamber.

“It really helps in terms of promoting your business and increasing customer base,” she said.

The owner believes that one of the most important ingredients in the success of her business is good old-fashioned customer service.

“My husband, Willie, is also very instrumental in this area. He always goes the extra mile to ensure that the clients are happy,” Ms. Capel said.

For more information about Capel's Catering Cuisine, Inc., or to place an order for your next event, contact Ms. Capel at 347-742-2800 or capelscuisine@aol.com.