As owners and operators of much-loved Connecticut chicken nugget stop Garden Catering, siblings Frank Carpenteri Jr. and Tina Carpenteri know their chicken.
Founded nearly 50 years in Old Greenwich, original owner Lou Iandoli sold the business to Frank Jr. and Tina’s father, Frank Carpenteri Sr., who reopened it in its original location in 1991. In the early 2000s, he sold the business to his two children.
“What began as a beloved neighborhood takeout spot has grown into a Connecticut and Westchester, New York, staple,” Tina Carpenteri recently told the Westfair Business Journal, adding that Garden Catering has a loyal fan base that now stretches throughout the region and far beyond.
Something to cluck about, you might say for the second-generation sibling owners, who both grew up in Greenwich and still live there with their respective families.
With “thoughtful, community-driven growth,” as Tina Carpenteri described it, Garden Catering has enjoyed a “steady and strategic” expansion, over the last 30 years. The company now has eight outlets (including one at the Bridgeport Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater, which is open only during concerts,) and two new locations about to open in Darien and Shelton.
Asked how new markets are identified, Tina Carpenteri said they look for towns “with a strong sense of community, where local schools, nonprofits, and small businesses are central to daily life.”
They also mentioned that proximity to schools, corporate office parks, or busy downtown areas were all key factors. “Building authentic relationships with local organizations is a big part of how we become woven into a new community,” she added.
The locations are primarily designed for take-out, although several of the restaurants also offer limited seating – for about eight to 10 customers – who prefer to eat their nuggets onsite.
While Garden Catering is known for its chicken nuggets, made from 100% white meat chicken breast from birds reared without antibiotics, the menu also features the Hotsy breakfast sandwich, seasoned fries, potato cones, creamy mac bites, and handcrafted milkshakes. Newer additions – in line with developing tastes and healthier eating trends – include cauliflower and “gluten-friendly” nuggets.
Take-out may remain the largest part of the business, but it is followed by a growing catering division, which serves everything from corporate lunches to team dinners or indeed “any occasion that calls for the best nuggets you’ll ever have.”
Branded merchandise is also growing, with the launch of the company’s proprietary special seasoning and onesies for babies. They also see an increase in gift card sales around the holidays and during fundraising events.
Like many fast-casual concepts, difficulty in staffing and rising costs have proved some of Garden Catering’s biggest challenges. They tackle those issues, Tina explained, with a streamlined hiring and recruiting process, a strong internal culture, and competitive benefits. On the cost side, the company focuses on building strong distributor partnerships, constantly reviewing pricing, and identifying opportunities to operate more efficiently, “without sacrificing quality or experience.”
Outside the kitchen, the Carpenteris said they have invested heavily in technology over the years, and are currently rolling out a new POS system, an online ordering platform, and an app that will “learn” customers’ ordering habits and offer personalized specials and discounts. And beyond technology, the said, Garden Catering stays sharp running social promotions, hosts give-back nights and partners with local organizations.
The next five years will see further expansion into new communities.
“We’re focused on tightening operations, delivering the same high-quality products our customers love, and continuing to grow brand awareness,” Tina said. “Just as important, we’ll keep building strong relationships with both new and longtime community partners.
Garden Catering is committed to helping the communities it serves and has donated more than $400,000 to local non-profits through its fundraising program. For more information visit gardencatering.com or download the Garden Catering app.
