Krew Catering Co. has become a well-known special events and catering operation featuring countless staff and cooks across the northern neck of the woods including Simcoe, Orillia, Muskoka and Huntsville.  I came across Krew Catering Co. this past summer when I noticed that they were offering an amazing dockside menu that delivered right to your boat allowing you to enjoy some fantastic food while you were out on the lake.  Sign me up!  How cool and unique is that?

Krew Catering Co. provides traditional food with a gastronomical twist!  Some of their expertise comes into play when hosting rustic and elegant weddings in backyards, farms, vineyards and private estates.  Krew Kitchen and Catering also offers a delicious restaurant menu that allows you to order online from their weekly menu.  We are so pleased to introduce you to the young gentleman who is the Owner/Operator and Chef of Krew Catering Co.

Award-Winning Chef, Kalvin Sherry has spent countless hours apprenticing in some of the most well-known restaurants in the GTA, Muskoka, Lake Louise, Banff, Fort McMurray… just to name a few.  We love to get to know the owner behind the dream and passion, and we were thrilled to ask Kalvin a few questions in our Community Spotlight.

When was Krew Catering Co. first established and where is your businesses located?

Krew Catering was brought out in early 2017 and we are currently located at the Circle K Plaza at 317 Atherley Road in Orillia.

What made you open up your own catering company?  Was it always a passion of yours?

A big part of me opening Krew was the hours of being in kitchens. I thought about the risk I would be taking but the hours poured into another establishment that had no advancement which allowed me to take the hours into my own hands, landing me where I am today. As a Chef, I have and always will be passionate about it. As for the business, catering was my soft spot throughout my career.

Why the name Krew Catering Co.?  Is there a meaning behind it?

It was going to be “crew” but after some thought, I figured I would incorporate the K to stand for the initial in my name. I wanted Krew to be a gathered team of great cooks and chefs, servers, bartenders etc.

What do you hope your customers gain from using your catering services?

I want customers to feel like we care. We try our ultimate best to have 12 hour response times, give our full attention and just provide good humble food and service.

Where did you learn to cook and can you tell us a little bit about your background becoming a Chef?

I started cooking at an early age. 8 years old to be exact. I was invited into a fine dining restaurant that my friend’s dad owned in downtown Toronto. It was all I focused on since. I had to make my way up in different establishments from dishwasher, prep cook, second cook, third cook, sous chef, executive sous chef and so on. It’s a lot of work and dedication to understand all the aspects of a kitchen.  I have travelled and lived in quite a few places that allowed me to learn from well rounded chefs and have gathered all my knowledge into one and applied it in my menus with Krew Catering.

What geographical area do you cater to and what is the most unique place you have travelled so far to cater a special event?

We mainly focus in Simcoe and beyond. We have been all over the province this year in places such as Prince Edward County, Niagara-on-the-lake, downtown Toronto and our very own hometown. I find everywhere is unique outside of the typical venues. We have been in private boathouses, golf courses, breweries and I have even catered a 6 course dinner out of a 5×8 shed by the lake.

We understand that weddings are a specialty of yours.  If you had to choose one, what is your favourite thing about catering weddings? 

I feel like the beginning to end is the best part. You almost become friends with the couples (which has actually happened) and you have a sense of happiness when you provide good food and service for one of the most important event of their lives. At the end of the day, we want to give the best we can in terms of food and service.

We notice that you offer an amazing dockside menu that allows you to deliver to boaters.  Can you tell us a little bit more about that?

I have an obsession with being on the water or by the lake, and having covid around allowed me to put more time and thought into the project. It’s been brewing for almost 20 years and I got the concept from a local man in Bala that delivered ice cream to docks. It was a massive hit and we gained exposure from so many different angles. “We have extended our services by boat in different nothern waterways and boat access points.  The water is a free world and an experience to add in as the cherry on top.”

What is your five-year plan for Krew Catering Co.?

We are almost at 5 years, but looking ahead, we have lots of plans to grow. Some we don’t want to disclose as I look forward to surprising people with a new and inviting service. I always keep a vision board with my growth and inspirations.

What does Kalvin like to do in his free time? 

I love to be on the water and with my kids. This entire company is for my kids. I started this business when I had my first born and its been my motivation since day one. I’m an easy going person and can be entertained by good food and company. I also love trying new restaurants that pop up and getting to know those individuals personally.

If you had any words of encouragement or advice for someone thinking of opening up their own business to follow their dreams, what would they be?

Just do it even if it’s a slow transition. Your mind is telling you something if you even have the slightest idea or motivation to start something. When I first started Krew, I doubted myself quite frequently because of the work it requires. I never gave up.  I poured all my time and energy into it and we have grown to be much bigger than I thought. Once you hit that stage, the rest is history.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting the “Krew” who are a group of hard-working, talented and caring individuals, and I can’t wait to see what Chef Kalvin will cook up in the near future!  For more information on Krew Catering please visit Krew Catering Co. and we also encourage you to follow Krew on their facebook page at:  Krew Catering Co. and to see what Kavin is up to next, please give him a follow on Instagram.