Greta’s Gourmet is a full-service Caterer, Deli and Butcher Shop.  They hand-make all their meat products, including 30 kinds of sausage, jerky and deli meats and feature great daily specials for lunch and dinner every day Monday – Saturday.  Greta’s caters to any event large or small, and will create a custom menu for each customer based on their needs.  Their store also features artisanal chocolates and they are the only location outside Kansas City in the country to feature ice cream from Christopher Elbow.  They also have a large selection of gourmet grocery and grab ‘n go items.

Who are the owners/important executives?
Kevin Mandigo and Shalla Powell-Mandigo

What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours?
I think that our selection of handcrafted and artisanal foods made locally, as well as the outstanding quality of our products is what sets us apart.

What do you like about doing business in Lincoln?
Lincoln is like a large small town in many ways, and if you have a connection to the community, people really gravitate toward that.

What kind of community organizations/groups are you involved with?
We are involved in the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, LIBA, BNI and the Nebraska Restaurant Association.

Do you have a business philosophy or mission statement?
Our philosophy is to deliver the best products we can, to never compromise our standards, give outstanding guest experiences and provide all of this at a fair price.

What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years?
Well, we’ve been in business at the store for just nine months, but even in that time, we’ve learned a lot about how to be efficient and stay competitive in a very difficult business environment.  The industry as a whole has had to really refocus on efficiency and quality/value perception.  People have an increased awareness of their disposable income, and are becoming more and more demanding of the businesses where they spend their money.

What do you see happening with the business in the next five years?
I see Greta’s Gourmet becoming the city’s most popular destination for fresh, handcrafted foods prepared with care and love.  I see us growing as a caterer, and I see our staff growing as we grow.

What is one of the biggest challenges that your company has faced?
The start-up process was probably the biggest challenge we’ve faced so far.

What has been your most important achievement as a business?
Winning BEST IN SHOW at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s Savor the Star City.

What was the biggest turning point in your business?
Developing our daily specials has really helped increase traffic and bring new customers to our store.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about your business that most people don’t know?
All of our foods are made from scratch from Chef-created recipes.  The catering and other menu items are all recipes from our Chef, Shalla Powell-Mandigo.  She is a Le Cordon Bleu – trained chef.  All of our meats are made right in the store from recipes created by my father, Dr. Roger Mandigo, and I.  He is known as “Dr. McRib” for his research that led to the creation of the McRib sandwich.

What is one goal for your business that you have yet to accomplish?
To open a second location.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Just a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us!

What is the best way to contact you?
Call 402.420.6328 visit us online at http://GretasGourmetFood.com or stop in at the store at 5560 S. 48th, Lincoln, NE.