Chef Surrounded with Success, Friends

Jan Schmalbach (front) is happy to be reunited with Chef Suzanne Rockwell.

A small catering and personal chef business is quietly making waves inside the Sterrett Center (8950 Otis Ave.) in the historic Lawrence business district. Chef Suzanne Rockwell decided to go out on her own in April of 2009 after her former employer, the Fox, closed at Fox and Oaklandon Road. She immediately hired her sous chef Vickie Smith and later added Rick Lambert, both also unemployed by the Fox closure.

“I like to work with people that I know and trust,” said Rockwell. “We get along great and we all know how to work together which is huge in this business.”

Her most recent hire was perhaps one of Geist’s most likable waitresses, Jan Schmalbach. Formerly with Bella Vita Ristorante, then the Fox and Fireside Grill, Schmalbach was best known for her bubbly personality and funky glasses. For the last six years, Schmalbach has been selling cookies and snacks to Midwestern schools for a company called Darlington Farms. She will now head up the outside sales for Chef Suzanne.

“I hated to leave Darlington, it was a great job. But I just love Suzanne and I couldn’t let this opportunity pass me up,” said Schmalbach.

The kitchen inside of the historic Sterrett Center serves as home base for Chef Suzanne.

The addition of Schmalbach allows Rockwell to focus on the kitchen where she “feels most at home.” Delivering to corporate accounts, orchestrating the hectic schedules, and staying in front of the customers is what Rockwell does best.

Over the last year, Chef Suzanne has seen 38% growth in an industry that has otherwise suffered from the dormant economy. Starting out as a personal chef, Rockwell has seen explosive growth in the corporate and event catering which now comprise 80% of her business. One could attribute her success to pricing, service, quality of food, or just sheer determination. Several area nonprofits would tell you that it is her willingness to donate food to just about any local cause. When asked to quantify how much of the overall business is donated to local charities, Rockwell glanced at the floor and said quietly “probably 20% or more.”

With her recent success and focus, Rockwell is now toying with the idea of opening a lunch cafe in Lawrence. To test the idea and viability, Chef Suzanne will host “Firecracker Fridays” every Friday starting July 30 as a fundraiser for the Lawrence Parks Department’s 4th of July Festival. Lunch will be served just north of the Sterrett Center, giving area workers a chance to sample her latest menu and meet the Chef Suzanne staff.

“If it goes well, we’ll move it inside during the winter months.”

As for the future of Chef Suzanne, Rockwell wants to continue to grow and expand.

“We want to grow the business but maintain that personal touch. To me, this is more about working with and for friends.”

To contact Chef Suzanne Rockwell, visit www.ChefSuzanne.com or call 317-823-5908.