Gourmondo’s CEO on the Real Cost of Running a Food Business Today
3 June 2025
Gourmondo's CEO on the real cost of running a food business today.
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Nourishing Seattle Futures with Treehouse
1 August 2025
This philosophy of local investment carries through in many of our actions; we have always held that business thrives when our community does, and that giving back is simply good practice. Every month, Gourmondo donates more than $10,000 worth of fresh, unsold food to local nonprofits. We offer professional internships to help up-and-comers build meaningful careers in Seattle’s culinary scene.
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Gourmondo In Honor of the Professionals Keeping Us Running
17 April 2025
The best-run businesses have one thing in common: extraordinary administrative professionals. They’re the ones who remember the little things, anticipate the big ones, and keep the rest of us on track. This week, we’re celebrating them for the impact they make every day. A Note From Alissa To the amazing admins on our team and in the community, As owner of Gourmondo, this week gives me the perfect excuse to say what should be said more often: thank you. To those of you on our own team, and among our valued business partners, we are profoundly grateful. To our internal admin team: you are truly the heartbeat of Gourmondo. While our chefs create delicious works of art and our service staff deliver exceptional experiences, it’s you who keep it all running smoothly behind the scenes. You bring order to chaos, manage impossible schedules, solve problems before they surface, and make sure every client feels heard and valued. Your sharp eye for detail, steady patience, and uncanny ability to anticipate what’s needed don’t just support our business, they define it. You lead with care, build strong relationships, represent our brand with pride, and form the foundation that keeps Gourmondo growing. To the admins we work with across the Seattle business community: first, we thank you for your trust in us helping with your important events and everyday needs. Second, we see you. We see how hard you work - we understand that when you send in an order, you're often juggling dozens of other responsibilities. You’re coordinating with teams, planning events, supporting leadership, and somehow managing to stay kind through it all. We’re honored to be part of your toolkit for success! On Admin Week, we acknowledge the truth every company owner knows: administrative professionals are the invisible force that powers business success. You transform visions into realities, often with little recognition. This week, we celebrate you with a renewed commitment to being the kind of partner that makes your job easier, not more complicated. We pledge to continue listening, adapting, and serving you with the same care and attention you give to others every day. Thank you for everything you do. Your work matters. YOU matter. With deepest appreciation, Alissa LeinonenFounder/CEO, Gourmondo Co The Gourmondo Admin Team At Gourmondo, we’re lucky to work alongside some of the most dedicated and detail-oriented admin professionals. These are people who care deeply about getting things right, staying five steps ahead, and helping those around them succeed. A Sweet Way to Say Thanks Admin week is a time when companies show their appreciation for their admin staff. Each year, we send out boxed lunches and catering to those showing their teams their well-earned appreciation. In 2025, we’re featuring a limited-edition Admin Week Gift Box, available to add to any Gourmondo order throughout the month of April! Inside, you’ll find: Two GoGo Cakes Two flower-decorated sugar cookies A party popper and crown From Our Team to Yours When things go right, it’s often because of the people behind the scenes making it all look easy. To every admin out there making teams stronger and days smoother: thank you. We feel lucky to be part of a community that celebrates the work you do.
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Gourmondo Women Who Built Gourmondo
26 March 2025
Gourmondo’s Beginnings The story of Gourmondo begins in 1996, when, at just 25 years old, Alissa Leinonen refinanced her car for $4,000 and set out to build her dream business. She found a 470-square-foot café tucked next to Madame Lazonga’s Tattoo Parlor in Pike Place Market, and she opened the doors with her two friends (and now business partners), full of ambition. Then came reality. Gourmondo’s first day’s sales totaled just $36 ($24 being from her mom). There were no guarantees of success, no major investors – just a belief in her vision and a willingness to take risks. Alissa was determined to make high-quality food more accessible, and she and her partners navigated the early obstacles with grit. Their small team did whatever it took to keep the doors open, flipping coins to decide who did the dishes and making deliveries in a 1967 Plymouth Belvedere. Every day, she and her partners experimented with new recipes and found creative ways to get the word out. They slowly built a devoted local following. Then came a defining moment. One afternoon, Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, walked in to get change for a parking meter. Alissa had worked as a floor manager at a restaurant he frequented, and he recognized her. He casually asked if they did catering, and as luck would have it, Alissa had printed her first-ever box lunch menu the night before. She handed it to him (not truly believing something would come of it). The next morning, Schultz's assistant called and placed an order for 50 box lunches. That single order was the beginning of what became Gourmondo’s corporate catering program; Gourmondo shut down the café for the day just to fulfill it. Nearly 30 years later, Starbucks remains a client. With time, Gourmondo grew beyond a small café. Alissa bought out both her partners and expanded into corporate catering, launched a wholesale grab-and-go line, opened an in-house bakery, grew to 15 cafes, and built a full-service event catering business. Through thoughtful growth, strategic partnerships, and of course, reliably providing high quality food and service, Gourmondo became a trusted name in Seattle’s food scene. The Toughest Times Success did not come easy. In 2006, an ambitious expansion put the company close to bankruptcy. Alissa had opened three corporate campus cafes overnight, burning through all her reserves. When her bookkeeper walked into her office in tears, telling her there wasn’t enough cash to pay vendors, she had a choice: admit defeat or find a way forward. She called her mom, who told her, “Alissa, we’re entrepreneurs. This is what we do. We take risks, and sometimes they don’t pay off. It’s not about the mistake; it’s about how you recover.” That advice changed her perspective. Instead of panicking, she called her vendors and was brutally honest about the situation. Thanks to the confidence she had earned over the years, one vendor, Ron Rosella, gave her three extra months to pay what she owed. That moment of trust and transparency helped Gourmondo keep the doors open. By 2020, Gourmondo was on track for another record-breaking year. Then, the pandemic hit. Within days, the company lost 95% of the business. With Seattle’s corporate offices closing and events being canceled, demand all but vanished overnight. Many catering businesses shut down. Alissa refused to be one of them. Instead of laying off her team, she asked, “How can we use our infrastructure to help?” Gourmondo pivoted operations to focus on feeding those in need. They partnered with local organizations like Seattle Housing Authority, FareStart and Amazon. During this time, Gourmondo provided over one million meals to low-income families, children on assisted meal programs through the Seattle school district, frontline workers, local food banks, and at-risk youth. “We wanted these meals to be more than just, ‘Hey, here's a sandwich,” said Alissa. “We wanted to offer something special, to create a meal with an entree, dessert, and side dish, so that [the recipients] knew they were a big deal. Oftentimes we also included a note in the box with either a note of thanks or encouragement.” This shift ended up being more than a temporary crisis response; it reshaped Gourmondo’s holistic mission from then on. Today, philanthropy is a larger part of our DNA, with ongoing partnerships that support food security in the Seattle community. Thriving Together For Alissa, success has never been about growth at all costs. A defining moment for her as an entrepreneur, in fact, was realizing she had the power to decide how she defined success, and she chose a definition that prioritized both quality service and a culture of care. At the very start, Alissa made a conscious decision to structure Gourmondo’s operations in a way that respected employees’ time. Today, 80% of the team finishes work by early afternoon - a rarity in the food industry. This allows them to pick up kids from school, spend time with family, and all-around have a better work-life balance. Naturally, Gourmondo has only become more successful since implementing that approach. Alissa’s leadership philosophy is built on humility, curiosity, and empowerment. She believes great leaders don’t do everything themselves but rather create an environment where talented people can thrive. This mindset has helped Gourmondo attract some of the best chefs and businesswomen in the region. Her impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. Alissa has earned recognition including: Pacific Northwest EY Entrepreneur of the Year (Unstoppable Category) Enterprising Women’s Entrepreneur of the Year Inc.’s List of America’s Most Inspiring Entrepreneurs But for her, the greatest achievement isn’t the accolades - it’s the team she’s built. The Women Who Power Gourmondo Alissa has never viewed Gourmondo as a one-woman success story. She is the first to credit the incredible women who have helped shape and sustain the company over the years. Women lead at every level of Gourmondo, from C-suite to the kitchen line, and in each position they bring talent and heart to their work. Many have been with the company for over 15 years, playing an indispensable role in its culture, operations, and direction. Sonya & Esther have led the kitchen team for over fifteen years, preparing dishes at the highest standard of quality. Jolene, head pastry chef, crafts gourmet desserts that are a signature part of the Gourmondo experience. Allison, Vinnessa, Olivia and Hannah uphold exceptional service as part of our customer care team. Lindsay, Jewel, Jillian, Tatiana bring their wonderful talents to the Catering and Events management and planning team. Alecia, Gourmondo’s President, leads our company with creativity, strategy, and a commitment to quality. Ann, Director of HR, fosters a supportive, growth-minded workplace. Ashley, Controller, oversees the finance team with expertise. Diana, Sous-chef, manages daily kitchen production of fresh, locally-sourced dishes. Beyond these names, countless women across production, logistics, client services, and leadership uphold the mission that has made Gourmondo what it is today. A Culture of Care Nearly three decades after opening a small café in Pike Place Market, Gourmondo is a Seattle institution. From seasonal catering and gourmet boxed lunches to full service grab and go cafes, its presence can be felt all over the city. While the company continues to evolve, its foundation remains unchanged: quality, integrity, and community. Alissa’s journey to where we are now is a shining example of the need to take risks and make hard decisions. This isn't because you'll never fail, but because you have the resilience and humility to learn and grow from missteps. And of course, as simple as it may sound: the power of being true to yourself. In her years of service, Alissa has built a thriving business with a culture of care, and despite inevitable bumps in the road, she never changed to fit the mold of an occasionally brutal industry. As Alissa often says:“Mistakes don’t define you. How you move forward does.” And for Alissa and the women of Gourmondo, the future has never looked brighter.
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Gourmondo Thoughtful Ways to Show Employee Appreciation, Today and Every Day
7 March 2025
Behind every successful company is a team of dedicated, talented individuals who show up each day with dedication. Those who work behind the scenes, who put their best foot forward for the customers, who keep operations running smoothly, and every other vital piece of the puzzle. Employees are the heart of any business, and while Employee Appreciation Day is a great reminder to say thank you, true appreciation isn’t just about putting on one fun day. To make sure your employees know they’re acknowledged and appreciated, the work must be done to build a culture of gratitude into the day-to-day workplace. At Gourmondo, we believe in showing appreciation through thoughtful experiences, and food has always been one of the most powerful ways to bring people together. Here are just some of the meaningful ways you can show your employees they’re valued, today and throughout the year. 1. Create a Meaningful Experience with a Special Meal Food is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost morale and bring teams together. A shared dining experience allows employees to connect, unwind, and enjoy a well-deserved break. Plus, taking time to enjoy a meal provided as a gesture of thanks fosters connection and makes employees feel valued. Ways to celebrate with a catered meal: Start the morning right: Treat employees to a breakfast spread featuring house-made pastries, fresh fruit, and locally roasted coffee. Host a team meal: Bring everyone together with a seasonally inspired buffet or a sit-down multi-course meal, complete with handcrafted entrees, sides, and desserts. Surprise your team with lunch: A simple gesture can go a long way in showing your appreciation. Treat your employees to Gourmondo’s signature boxed lunches, thoughtfully packed with high-quality ingredients. Wrap up the work week with a happy hour: Small bites and craft cocktails can make for a relaxed yet festive way to say thanks. 2. Personalize Your Recognition Efforts A shared meal may bring people together, but personalized recognition makes appreciation stick. Taking the time to highlight individual contributions in a way that feels genuine and considerate reinforces trust and appreciation. However, recognition should always be respectful of personal boundaries. Not everyone enjoys public praise, and some may prefer a quiet acknowledgment over a big announcement. Ideas for meaningful recognition: Handwritten notes: A simple yet impactful way to express gratitude. Leave a personal message on their desk or in their inbox. Public recognition: Acknowledge employees during a team meeting, through an internal newsletter, or via a social media spotlight. Be mindful of individual preferences; some may prefer private recognition instead. Customized gifts: Think beyond the standard company swag—choose something tailored to their interests, such as a local coffee subscription, a book by a favorite author, or a curated gift box. Career development opportunities: Investing in an employee’s growth – through mentorship, training, or conference access – shows long-term appreciation. Extra time off or flexible scheduling: A paid half-day, a “long weekend” pass, or flexible work options can be a valuable way to say thank you, show your trust in your employee, and show your respect for their personal time. 3. Encourage Team Connection and Bonding Appreciation is even more powerful when it’s shared. Encouraging employees to recognize each other fosters a sense of community and strengthens team relationships. Ideas for Building Team Appreciation Culture: Create a gratitude wall: Set up a space where employees can write appreciation notes to their coworkers. Put on a “team awards” ceremony: Host a lighthearted award ceremony with fun categories like “Most Likely to Save the Day” or “Office DJ.” Establish a peer recognition program: Encourage employees to nominate coworkers for going above and beyond. A workplace that values recognition creates an engaged and motivated team, and Employee Appreciation Day is a great time to set that standard. 4. Make It an Event, Not Just a Gesture While a one-day celebration is meaningful, sustaining appreciation year-round has an even greater impact. A company that truly values its employees goes beyond recognition—it actively supports their well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance. When employees feel cared for and respected, they’re more engaged, motivated, and invested in their work. Ways to Keep Appreciation Going: Quarterly team celebrations: Host catered lunches, happy hours, or fun outings every few months to keep morale high and build team connections. Wellness initiatives: Provide access to healthy meals, fitness stipends, mental health resources, or stress-relief activities like meditation sessions or wellness days. A company that prioritizes employee health shows that appreciation isn’t just about productivity, it’s about people first. Professional development support: Investing in growth – through mentorship, skill-building courses, or conference access – demonstrates long-term appreciation and a commitment to employees’ futures. Encouraging work-life balance: Offering flexible scheduling, remote work options, or additional time off can help employees recharge and feel valued beyond their day-to-day tasks. A culture of appreciation leads to stronger teams, higher morale, and a workplace where people genuinely want to be, all year long. 5. A Personal Anecdote from the Gourmondo Team Gourmondo has always believed that appreciation isn’t just about creating special events for holidays but about how a company supports its team every day. That’s why we’ve made work-life balance a core part of our culture, something that’s often rare in the food industry. From the start, founder Alissa Leinonen wanted Gourmondo to be a company where employees could build fulfilling careers without sacrificing their personal and family lives. She built operations to allow her team to finish work by 2 PM, in time to pick up their kids from school and ensure they had a work life balance. Today, 80% of Gourmondo’s employees follow this family-friendly schedule. It’s a model that has not only helped retain top talent but also fostered a workplace where people feel valued every day – not just on Employee Appreciation Day. By making work-life balance a priority, companies can show appreciation in a way that truly matters, by respecting their employees’ time, well-being, and commitments outside of work. Closing Thought: Appreciation That Lasts Beyond the Day At Gourmondo, we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful appreciation fosters loyalty, fuels passion, and strengthens teams. When recognition and wellness are priorities, teams are more engaged, productive, and committed to their company’s mission. By integrating appreciation into the workplace year-round, you create an environment where employees don’t just work – they thrive. Let Gourmondo Help You Elevate Employee Appreciation When companies invest in their people, they build workplaces where employees feel empowered, valued, and excited to contribute. At Gourmondo, we help companies show gratitude in the most meaningful way: by bringing people together over exceptional food and shared experiences. Whether you're planning a team lunch, a happy hour, or a large corporate event, let us handle the details so you can focus on celebrating the people who make your company great. Because when you take care of your employees, they take care of your business.
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givingboxes Our Recipe for incorporating Philanthropy into our Business Model
9 February 2024
Community Giving is an essential ingredient in our recipe for running a meaningful business. We choose organizations that support issues we are passionate about: fighting hunger and food insecurity, helping at risk youth, protecting the rights of immigrants, finding solutions for chronic homelessness, and strengthening our local community.
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Event Holiday Hosting Hacks
7 December 2023
Are you ready to take your holiday hosting to the next level? We’ve got the inside scoop on some fabulous and affordable Holiday Hosting Hacks that are bound to make your holiday gatherings unforgettable. Elevate Your Appetizers and Side Dishes. Transform traditional veggie salads into individual masterpieces by serving them in small compostable containers or mini coupe cups. Think endive with candied walnuts, blue cheese, and honey crisp apple – it’s both festive and easy to serve. Upgrade your Cocktail prawn platter by turning it into prawn shooters. Place 1-2 prawns in shot glasses with cocktail sauce, celery, and avocado for a stylish twist. For comfort food, try mini mac and cheese baked in small ramekins and serve it straight out of the oven on a tray for that cozy, homemade touch. Food Styling Magic for Your Holiday Trays and Platters. Garnishes are your secret weapon to make your holiday spread look like it’s straight from a professional caterer. Add flair to your buffet with produce from your local grocery store, such as mini artichokes, pomegranates, crabapples, mini pears, rosemary, sage, cranberries, and champagne grapes. Elevate your cheese trays by adding small porcelain ramekins filled with spiced nuts, marcona almonds, and mixed olives. It’s the epitome of elegance! Set Up Your Bar for Prime Time. Ditch the plastic and invest in inexpensive all-purpose wine glasses or vintage glassware to elevate your event - a sustainable and stylish choice. Become a bartender pro with unique drink garnishes like dried citrus slices, candied ginger, cocktail boba pearls, and edible glitter. And don’t forget the preserved hibiscus flower at the base of a champagne flute for a one-of-a-kind holiday champagne cocktail. Create a polished look for your non-alcoholic beverages by investing in fun vintage ice buckets and stainless-steel ice tubs. The Ultimate Holiday Hack. Let Gourmondo do the heavy lifting and turn your gatherings into unforgettable culinary experiences. Click here to view our holiday menus and have everything you need delivered to your front doorstep. Happy holidays from the Gourmondo family!
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Foodwellness Bringing Wellness to the Workplace
18 January 2023
In the fast-paced world of business, prioritizing employee wellness in 2024 and beyond is more important than ever. The team at Gourmondo understands that a healthier workforce is a happier one, and they are pleased to be able to offer healthy choices for groups and employees with the goal of supporting overall workplace wellness. Here are five ways Gourmondo is supporting workplace wellness with their offerings: Culinary Excellence: Gourmondo doesn't just offer meals, they provide culinary experiences. Their chef-crafted, health-conscious menus cater to a variety of dietary preferences. From vibrant salads to hearty bowls, their diverse offerings ensure that every team member can enjoy nourishing meals tailored to their tastes. Local Commitment: Supporting local businesses is not just a trend, it's a way to invest in the community and that’s a huge priority for Gourmondo. Sharing a deep commitment to the community and providing access to fresh, nutritious, and sustainably sourced ingredients is a must. Boosted Productivity: A well-fed team is a focused team. By providing employees with delicious, wholesome meals from Gourmondo, you're not just satisfying their hunger, you're fueling their performance. Expect improved concentration, increased energy, and a more positive workplace culture. Seamless Integration: Integrating Gourmondo into your workplace is effortless. With customizable meal plans, flexible delivery options, and a dedicated support team, Gourmondo ensures that teams can enjoy gourmet meals without any hassle. Healthy Team, Healthy Business: Investing in wellness initiatives doesn't just benefit employees, it's a strategic move for business. Healthy, satisfied employees are more likely to stay with a company, reducing turnover and recruitment costs. From all of us at Gourmondo, we wish you a safe and happy new year!
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