Cindy Barkley is seen with a tray of delicious treats ready to be enjoyed by customers. Thompson Goddard Photo

CHESTERVILLE – Figuring out what to cook for dinner can be taxing at the end of a long, busy day. Thanks to Cindy Barkley and her home-based business, Soup to Nuts Catering, meal planning has become a lot easier.

Soup to Nuts Catering provides customers with a selection of home-cooked meal options to choose from. The business officially began on Aug. 12 of 2024 after she received her health inspection certification for her kitchen.

“I’ve always loved cooking and being about to wake up and do something I love made sense to me.” said Barkley. She mentioned Chesterville has been her home for decades and was grateful for the support from the community when she started the business as a new chapter in her life’s journey began.

She explained her menu is posted on Facebook on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with meals including soup or salad, main course and dessert. She mentioned clients are able to pre-order the meals by contacting her either by phone or email.

“I can feed anybody for any reason.” replied Barkley, mentioning how her weekly meals often appeal to senior citizens or small households. She explained how it allows for the opportunity for each person to have a specific choice of meal to enjoy.

In addition to providing home-cooked meals, she also caters events such as weddings, birthdays or other special occasions. Barkley explained she is able to cater small or large groups, as well as providing sandwich or dessert trays if needed. Mike Dean Local Grocer in Chesterville and Bourget carry some of her desserts, including seasonal tarts, baklava and that Canadian favourite – butter tarts!  She is developing a line of all-natural horse and dog treats.

She mentioned she is developing a good client basis which is very important in her line of work, is “very proud of the meals I prepare” and enjoys the freedom which “comes with keeping your own hours.” If she was to give advice to someone planning to start up a business such as hers, Barkley replied she would mention “hard work, determination, and to love what you do” is needed to succeed.

More information on Soup to Nuts Catering can be found on Facebook or by contacting Barkley at 613-448-3933 or by email at soup.to.nuts.catering61@outlook.com.

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