What's for dinner? It's the dreaded question that plagues all of us in the evening hours. When we're tired from a long day, the last thing most of us want to do is make another decision. So, we reach for fast food or find some other quick solution to stave off our hunger pains. Instead of offering another take-out option, Lake Trust business members Dan and Liz found a unique way to help families enjoy mealtime again.
In their commercial kitchen in Rochester Hills, something magical happens each day. Dan and Liz, the husband and wife duo behind The Wandering Gourmet*, a personal chef service, solve the dinner dilemma by planning, cooking, and delivering meals to busy families across Metro Detroit. Their venture into small-business ownership came to life fourteen years ago during the downturn of the automotive industry and local economy.
Reaching a Crossroad
Though Dan has been cooking since he was 10 years old, he had never seriously considered it as a career until his job as a tool and die maker hit a roadblock. After, yet again, being laid off by his employer, Liz convinced Dan to take a chance on his love of cooking and get certified as a personal chef. Since she was just as passionate about this endeavor, Liz jumped in to handle the client consultations and business operations.
When he was called back to work at the tool and die shop, Dan juggled his job working at the plant and preparing meals in private homes. One day, he was given a choice: either work full-time or pursue his recently acquired business, The Wandering Gourmet.
"It was a no-brainer," Dan says about making the leap. "We both enjoyed what we were doing together."
