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Getting to know... Double D Special Events, Inc. in Monee |
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Getting to know... Double D Special
Events, Inc. in Monee
Don Bender believes that everybody loves a great party. Double D Special
Events was incorporated in 2004 with that thought in mind. His life could be
considered one big party because he caters events that have been hosted by
large corporations serving over 3000 people, churches serving approximately
200 people and even his friends with parties of 60.
Double D Founder and President Don Bender has been cooking for large
parties approximately 20 years during fraternity events, Chicago Bears
tailgating and horseshoe parties around the Midwest. His friends kept
insisting he make more out of it than just a hobby. Don always wanted to
own his own business so he decided why not get paid for doing what he loves.
What makes his catered events special is the sight and smell of whole
hickory smoked roast pig which is the most popular item on the Double D
Cooked Onsite menu. That however is not the only thing his 5 catering crews
love to cook. The hickory smoked Creole marinated beef brisket and marinated
chicken breast are also customer favorites. They also offer sliced smoked
turkey breast, sliced hardwood smoked ham, zesty seasoned Italian sausage
and sliced Italian beef, to name a few.
A variety of side dishes are also offered including a fresh tossed
garden salad, fresh sweet corn, tri colored rotini, macaroni salad and short
shredded creamy cole slaw.
What event would be complete without desserts? Not a Double D one.
Slices of apple pie, brownies, mini cupcakes, ice cream and cookies are just
a sample of what is available. Double D also offers onsite pickup and drop
off catering.
They do not, however, cook fish. Don said, “Fish is fickle. It doesn't
hold together well and has to be eaten right away. If it sits for a small
amount of time it starts to look bad."
They also do not have a liquor license so they do not offer any
alcoholic beverages. They can, however, provide subcontractors to supply
alcohol, music and other entertainment.
Another option for customers that want to host an event but do not have
the space at their home would be indoors at Deer Creek Golf Course, located
in University Park off of Western Avenue. The clubhouse can hold up to 150
people and has everything located there including the kitchen and the bar.
The pig roaster is a professionally made rotisserie grill that is 6ft
long that they tow behind their vehicles to transport it to the event
location. Currently they have 5 pig roasters and each pig roaster can cook
up to a 200 lb pig. Typically, 1lb of meat per person is recommended, so
they are able to serve up to 1000 people with 5 pig roasters.
They also have access to other grills that will allow them to prepare
food for up to 3000 people at an event. They use an “indirect heat” cooking
style. That means they push the Kingsford charcoal to the sides of the grill
and place tin pans down the center of the grill. This allows them to catch
all of the drippings and to prevent flare ups from the charcoal. They slow
roast the pig and the grill temperature is kept between 225-250 degrees. The
pig takes 1 hour of cooking time per 10lbs. Therefore, a 100lb pig takes 10
hours to cook.
There are various jobs that need to be done leading up to the event. On
the day before the event, roughly 3 hours are spent prepping for the job.
This includes picking up, marinating and securing the pig for the night.
They always go through an extensive checklist to make sure they have all the
equipment and supplies they need for the event.
On the day of the event between 12-24 hours are put in. This includes
one hour hook up and loading of vehicles, traveling to the job site, one
hour of charcoal preparation and site set up. Pig roasting time takes 1 hour
of cooking time for each 10lbs of pig, one hour carving time, one hour site
cleanup and then traveling back to home base.
On the day after the event three hours are put into cleaning the grill
and doing inventory.
They are prepared to cook the pig whether it is raining or the
temperature is below zero. They have tents that are put up if needed to
protect the pig roaster and pig crew. They also have heaters to do winter
events.
Preferably, parties of 60 are the smallest that they will do. They will
do parties for less people, however the customer would be charged for 60
people as it is not feasible for them. The reason for this is that all the
preparation and cleanup is basically the same. They have served customers
over a 24 hour period including all 3 shifts. The professional and uniformed
crews take pride in making the special event one to remember. Double D has a
staff of 22 part time employees with all of the crew chiefs having certified
food licenses. Some village trustees including Dave Stockton and Kevin
McGill have been cooking with Double D for many years.
Several events can be booked on the same day at different locations and
all shifts can be covered. There is no extra charge for an event that lasts
24 hours. Everything is included in the price quoted. There are no hidden
fees. This is another reason Double D has repeat customers. Everything is
talked about first so the customer knows exactly what he or she is getting
and paying for.
Pricing includes choice of 3 side dishes, plates, napkins, plastic
ware, serving tables, food warmers, chafing fuel with serving pans, set up
and clean up of buffet tables.
Double D provides more than food. Party rental equipment is also
available including 10' x 10', 20' x 20' or 20'x 40' tents with side panels
if needed, banquet style folding tables, contoured folding chairs, globe
lights, keg coolers and beverage troughs. This is more convenient for the
customer. They can make one phone call and have everything provided. These
services include the set up and take down of the equipment if requested.
Double D is available 24/7/365. Yes you read that right! Every holiday
is a reason for a special event with Double D. Every customer is important.
Existing customers, new customers or a past customer. Don answers the phone
calls himself so there is no way he will not get a message. He has voice
mail and will definitely call customers back.
From 1989 to 2004, Don was a salesman of heavy construction equipment.
His job was inside and outside selling air compressors and pumps. He could
not wait to get outside and make selling more personable. Don said he was
not happy with the turn the industry was taking because it seemed like it
was all about numbers and nothing was personal. "People buy from people but
I would rather directly communicate, personalize, plan and see people enjoy
their “purchase", commented Don.
Don graduated from the University of St. Francis in 1989 in Joliet with
a degree in Commercial Recreation. Don loves his job as he enjoys traveling
and has been to able to see all of the Great Lakes. He has seen mansions and
enjoys meeting people. One of his more memorable events was one that had 60
Rolls Royces.
Don's dad, Martin, started up his own business, Fluid Air Inc, 24 years
ago. He designs food and drug processing equipment in Aurora. Don feels he
received the entrepreneurship bug from his Dad many years ago and is now
enjoying a business of his own, like his Dad. Don has lived in Monee for 10
years and will be married to his wife, Sheila, 18 years this August. Sheila
also graduated from the University of St. Francis with a degree in
Therapeutic Recreation. She has worked at Ingalls Memorial Hospital for 17
years as a Recreational Therapist and is currently the Supervisor of the
Physical Rehabilitation Unit. They have 2 children. Brittany, 11, loves and
plays travel softball and Martin, 7, loves all sports and plays for the
Monee Mavericks.
Don loves the small town of Monee and has been involved with community
events for the past several years. He was on the Parks & Recreation Board of
Directors for 5 years, on the Monee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
for 4 years including the Dollars for Scholars Board of Directors that
awards scholarships to students that live in Monee. Don annually sponsors
and supports the Monee Fall Faire, Bunny Brunch and the Halloween bonfire.
Double D's mission is to have customers 100% satisfied by providing top
quality food and rental equipment. They have developed long lasting
relationships with vendors, customers, employees and friends who are the
backbone to making Double D Special Events, Inc. a success.
One of the most popular comments Don
receives from his customers, is that they are so glad to have someone else
prepare all the food and set up for their event so they can enjoy their own
party with their friends and family. So, when you are ready to enjoy your
own party , give Don a call so he can take all your worries away from that
stressful planning and really make it an enjoyable event. You can call Don
at Double D Special Events, Inc. at (708)473-5373 or fax (708)534-6136. You
can also check out his website at
www.doubledspecialevents.com.
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