Known for his loud chef's coats, Ted Bilsky of Scratch Kitchen never needs a nametag in Southlake. When he caters an event, it is pretty common for people to recognize the chef before recognizing his delicious food.
"They may not remember the name of my business but they see my chef's coat and they recognize me,'” Ted says. “It has become my calling card and trademark."
Splashes of color aside, Ted has been hard at work, and in his words “disrupting the catering industry of Northeast Tarrant County.” Scratch Kitchen was founded three years ago when his oldest son graduating from A&M University. Disillusioned by the corporate world of cubicles and desk jobs, he pitched the idea of a catering company to Ted.
“Six months into it we found our lifelong passion and the rest is history,” Ted says.
What started as a small storefront in Southlake offering take out meals bloomed into three-locations with a full catering service. And as any Southlake event-goer knows, the food speaks for itself. For those who haven't tried Scratch Kitchen's delicious dishes, the business' growth is proof of its quality. Last year, the company grew 65 percent from 2016. According to Ted, 2018 is off to a great start.
"The common theme is people say 'Gosh, you're everywhere,'” Ted chuckles.
Part of his almost omnipresence comes from his constant willingness to serve his community. Scratch Kitchen caters city events, Art in the Square, chamber events, Meet the Mayor, CISD events and more. This year, Ted has been catering local nonprofit GRACE's board meetings free of charge.
“We give back profusely and whether it's paid for or it is free, it's the same level of quality, period,” Ted says.