From The Goshen News
Thursday, August 30, 2001 Page: B-18

Say 'YES' to great food

Founders of YES Mobile Catering, Yvonne E. Schwartz, President and Dan Schwartz Operations Manager with Office Manager Amy Bates. Warehouse Manager James Deknikker and Sales Route Superintendent Jody Stubblefield discuss the next planograms for their category management program, 60% of the menu changes every 4 weeks.

Malena Garcia, Kitchen Manager has been with YES for over 8 years. Malena handles all food purchases, production, production scheduling, pricing, and kitchen hiring. Under her guidance, the kitchen currently follows the Elkhart County Health Department's Serv-Safe Program. She is currently in the process of preparing a GACCP Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) Program. Her expertise of Mexican foods has allowed YES to expand the menu to include authentic Mexican cuisine. She is currently seeking a strong assistant.

Fresh fruit, homemade casseroles, special recipes, and prize-winning desserts. This sounds like a description of a first class restaurant and a place many people would want to visit. The clients of this food establishment, however, do not have to drive to get their lunch. This restaurant is on wheels and comes to the customer.

YES Mobile Catering, owned by Yvonne and Dan Schwartz, is unique because of their fresh, homemade quality food. "Everything is made right here," says Yvonne. "We make it, we deliver it, and we sell it." She explains that the company also invites request form customers. "We want to have a product closer to what they are used to. They also serve many Hispanic customers. "Our kitchen is totally Hispanic. Someone can request an item in Spanish, and we can translate it and then cook authentic Mexican food. YES Mobile Catering offers a wonderful alternative to fast food or tasteless, prepackaged meals. WE change 60% of our menu every four weeks," says Yvonne.

Yvonne and Dan Schwartz work together along with 16 employees in a building located at 65201 Sourwood Drive in Goshen. Initially working out of their home with just one truck, they now operate 8 trucks and serve breakfast and lunch to many industrial businesses in Elkhart County. When news of the service they offered spread among the industrial community and they started to grow, they bought land and built the building they now occupy. They pride themselves on never missing a route and managing their own schedule well in order to accommodate the pressing schedules of the people they serve.

Having worked in the RV industry themselves, Dan and Yvonne have a special appreciation for their hungry customers. They initially let people know about their product by taking samples around and talking to people. In the six years they have enjoyed their new location, they have more than doubled the size of the business. This year, they are celebrating 10 years of business and growth.

YES Mobile Catering places the highest priority on dependability, service and quality. They offer a 200% guarantee. "If you don't like what you bought, for any reason, you can give it back to the driver, get your money back, and then pick something else," says Dan. "You not only get your money back, but you get food. We want to make sure you are happy." To do that, they offer a full line breakfast and dinner including salad sides, homemade desserts, cold sandwiches, and fresh fruit in season. They offer over 200 different items to their customers, including soft drinks and food selections.

The hours of operation are from 4 AM to 4 PM, and they can be reached at 534-0449. After being responsible for every aspect of the business, Dan and Yvonne are now enjoying the recent formation of a management team. They now have a kitchen manager who has been with them for 8 years. They have a route superintendent who is in charge of all the routes and training in addition to her own route. They also have warehouse manager and office assistants. "The mobile catering business is not just a food a business. It is a trucking business as well. There is a lot of dispatching involved. It takes a lot of work to keep things routed and efficient, explains Yvonne. "Our drivers are smart. A good driver has to be able to add, take money and give change to 125 people in 7 minutes. I am very proud of our work force."

Dan and Yvonne enjoy meeting the needs of people and continue to look for ways to thank their customers. One way they do that is by offering a preferred customer program. In this program, YES Mobile Catering gives a free company party every six months to any business in their market area if they service the entire corporation. They also provide catering for company parities during office hours. In addition, they offer YES Bucks to employers who can use them to reward their employees with certificates toward food from the YES Mobile Catering truck. They give free birthday breakfast; free holiday treats, and has drawings for T-shirts and tank tops. YES Mobile Catering appreciates their customers. The goal of each YES Mobile Catering employee is to give every person they serve a brighter day by offering uniquely good food served with a friendly smile.