Catering the Greater New Orleans area since 1990. Specializing in Business Breakfast and lunch.
They have been catering since they started as Coffee Cottage in 1990 at their original location on Metairie Rd and out of their second location in Elmwood. They lost the lease in Metairie in 2004 and sold the Elmwood location in 2007 to concentrate on Catering under there new DBA as Cottage Catering. There focus now is breakfast and lunch catering and Caluda's King Cakes and Making their famous Crawfish Strudel and White Chocolate bread pudding at the Jazz Fest. You can still purchase John's pastries, desserts and catered items at their new location 1536 River Oaks Dr. W right behind the Citrus Cafe location.
Cottage Catering specializes in drop off catering to offices and business in the greater New Orleans area and as far as St. Rose, Baton Rouge and Slidell. They feature an online ordering system, FREE Delivery to most location, Hot Breakfast and Fresh Baked pastries (really, John is a pastry chef and they bake every day) They also do many social events like weddings, graduations, showers and they do the big stuff like corporate picnics and BBQ's.
King Cakes: They also produce Caluda's King Cakes which are available for walk in sales from Jan. to Mardi Gras. You can order them for pick up the rest of the year as well.
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Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since 1990 but originally as Coffee Cottage.
What is your primary product or service?
Business breakfast and lunch catering
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
My most vivid memories are of food and food related events. I started making chocolate eclairs, danish, and puff pastry when I was about 11. My first jobs were in restaurants and I just had a knack for it and I enjoyed it. Restaurant business is also very social and you meet a lot a fun people.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We start with really good product, it's made fresh and seasoned well, but to survive in this city that is expected . I think what sets us apart is that we strive to be on time and to be prepared with everything you need. You can have a great meal but if you don't have plates or the salad dressing or you are late whats the point. Our customers know they can depend on us.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We provide delivery to the Greater New Orleans area and sometimes a bit further.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We are at the corner of Citrus and Dickory right behind our old coffee shop which is now called Cafe Late Da.
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, cash and we allow 7 to 14 day payment terms with corporate clients.
Which areas do you service?
The Greater New Orleans area, including the West Bank.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
John Caluda is the owner and manager
What are your hours of operation?
We are on premises from 6am to 3pm Mon. to Friday and till 8 till noon on Sat. but are available by appointment at your convenience.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
The food was great and you took care of every detail.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
7 times fall down 8 times get up