In just two short years Josie Taylor has transformed her hobby into a successful business, with no plans on slowing down anytime soon. The Coonabarabran Times caught up Josie to learn more about “Jo’s Catering” and the importance of collaborating with other local producers.

Where did the idea for your business originate? 

Jo’s Catering started in 2019, not long after my third child was born. I was on maternity leave from working as a chef at Little Lime Leaf - an award-winning cafe on the South Coast - and was asked to do bits of catering here and there. A hobby then turned into a business...then into a dream.

Earlier this year I was nominated as Business Person of the Year as well as having Jo’s Catering hit the finals for this year’s South Coast local Business Awards as Best new Business, which will be revealed later this year. 

I made the decision to relocate back home to Coonabarabran in June due to family reasons. I can’t thank my family enough for believing in me, supporting all my ideas and helping me to find my magic calling in life.

What is it about food that makes your soul sing?

I have always loved food! Cooking it, creating it, and now turning it into art. I have been cooking for over 12 years, leaving for a short time as an education support officer, but I have always found my way back into the kitchen!

Tell us about the products and services your business offers?

Jo’s Catering offers fresh and affordable catering and event planning, pop-up picnics, bell tent and event hire, antipasto grazing tables, boxes, platters and other fresh light catering options.

I use local businesses including Lottie and Lou Sweet Treats, Blue Sky Cheese in Mendooran, and Coonabarabran Bakery for fresh bread, Bilby Blooms for decor, and I have a very talented local lady who provides all of my relishes and chutneys.

I cater to events both big and small. At the moment I cover anywhere from Gunnedah to Coonamble and Coonabarabran, but I hope to expand even further once COVID-19 restrictions ease.

As well as using local fresh produce, you’ve also worked closely with many other businesses in the shire. Tell us why?

My vision is to incorporate as many other local businesses as I can when putting events together. In the short few months I have been back I have collaborated with Tibuc Gardens to bring the community a relaxing environment to host events such as weddings, baby showers, birthdays, bridal showers and so on.

The Poplars Motor Inn is also promoting pop- up picnic and grazing packages to vistiors. I’ve also teamed up with The Black Kockatoo and Pineapple Pieces to create macrame workshops with grazing options, which will be held on the October long weekend.

I also have some interesting collaborations with new hair salons in town. I’m here to work with as many people as I can and put money back into the community by using local people and businesses.

What are your future plans for the business?

To continue the growth of my business across the central west and eventually back along the South Coast. I have plans to open my own cafe in Coonabarabran to use as a base, and to be able to continue my love of food art and community spirit!

To find out more, visit www.joscatering90.com