Three and a half years ago, Ron DiBenedetto founded DEVOUR Catering & Event Design. The Oley-based company provides Berks and surrounding counties with customized catering to make any large or small event a truly personalized, memorable experience. You can also find DEVOUR at community events.
Q. Why did you decide to start your own catering business?
In my previous jobs, I was spending more and more time away from home and away from my daughter, and I wanted more balance. I had various roles in hospitality, catering and event management companies, and I became very knowledgeable about how to do different kinds of events in different kinds of environments. So, I thought, why not start my own business and run things how I would like to run them? Having my own business has been a lot of work, but it’s also given me the ability to control my time and have a greater work-life balance. Running this business has been a tremendous learning experience and it’s also made me fall back in love with the hospitality business.
Q. How is your catering business different than other similar businesses?
So many hospitality businesses want to create “cookie cutter” experiences — here is what they do for a wedding, for a holiday party, etc. We want our events to be more personal. We’re not telling you, “Here’s how we do it.” We want to know what you want. This is your event, not ours. We also want the planning process to be more personal. We start with a phone call for some initial details, but then we want to get in front of people and actually meet them and get to know them and develop trust so the first time they meet us in person isn’t at their event.
Q. What exciting trends have you noticed in the industry in the last year?
As a result of the pandemic, micro-events are pretty popular. For some in the industry, this could be disappointing because you’re putting all of this work into an event for 40 or so people as opposed to hundreds or more. But these events can be a much more personal experience than larger events.
Q. We’re approaching the holiday season. What do you like best about events this time of year?
Around Thanksgiving, it’s nice to cater private house parties and dinners. And holiday parties have a different vibe than other events — people are generally jollier than at other times of the year. We’re also in hockey season, so we have the “sport arena” adrenaline.
Q. Are there any new developments on the horizon for DEVOUR?
We’re getting ready to launch a stand at Santander Arena. In early 2022, we will launch our own food truck, and there will be other exciting new opportunities.
Q. What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my daughter and going on trips with my girlfriend. I also like to play guitar and work out.
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Making Connections.
DEVOUR has a new partnership with Hillside Farm, a Civil War-era farm that’s now an event venue. Check out “Events at Hillside Farm" in Sinking Spring on Facebook for more info.
A Select Few.
DEVOUR is one of the preferred caterers of the Reading Public Museum. This select group of caterers was chosen by the Museum for their quality, hospitality, flexibility and affordability.
