Despite experiencing 500 cancellations of planned events, Seedling & Sage, a Glenside “farm-to-table” catering business, found a way to survive during the pandemic, writes Len Lear for the Chestnut Hill Local.

Started by Melissa McDevitt and Laura Kidwell in 2014, the catering company has grown into a multi-million dollar business with three exclusive properties in Flourtown, Skippack, and West Grove.

But once COVID-19 hit, their business came to a screeching halt.

“In 2020 we rescheduled, postponed, and canceled about 500 events,” said McDevitt. “Once we recognized this wasn’t a two-week shutdown, we needed to get creative and quick.”

Knowing they had open spaces that could be utilized at all of their locations, the pair immediately set out to learn how to operate in a safe way.

They provided training to their team and spent around $100,000 on heaters, fire pits, disposables, and PPE, among other items.

In the end, the two women are going into 2021 grateful.

“The events may have been smaller or masked or on disposable bamboo instead of china, but we all pivoted and got the job done,” said McDevitt.

Read more about Seedling & Sage at the Chestnut Hill Local by clicking here.