Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Josh Bakken. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Josh, thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?
In March of 2020, I was working as a Sous Chef at a large catering company. While I was comfortable with where I was in life, deep down, I knew I wasn’t truly happy. For the first time in my adult life, I found myself praying—really praying—with tears streaming down my face as I drove to work. I asked God for a sign, for guidance on what to do next. Little did I know that His plan was already in motion. Just a few hours later, I was laid off from my position. It was a devastating blow, especially with a wife and two small children at home.
In the days that followed, I was lost and unsure of what to do next. But then, I was introduced to a pastor who had an empty kitchen space that had been sitting unused. That meeting sparked the launch of The Local Caterer in April 2020. The first two years were incredibly challenging—we struggled to gain traction, and I began to feel burned out. During that difficult time, I had a conversation with Pastor Jim Ball, and it was then that I made a pivotal decision: I would serve God by serving our clients with excellence. ‘To attract value, you must create value.’
Since that day, our business has experienced a remarkable turnaround. We’ve seen such growth that my wife, Kasandra, was able to leave her job and join our family business full-time. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for every step along the way.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
In the heart of Arizona, amidst the challenges of a global pandemic, The Local Caterer emerged as a beacon of culinary passion and community commitment. Founded in 2020 by Chef Josh Bakken, our journey goes beyond catering; it’s a story of resilience, love, and a deep-seated desire to serve.
With a rich background boasting over 14 years in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry, Chef Josh brings a wealth of expertise in diverse cuisines and culinary techniques. His dream of bringing people together around the dinner table became a reality with the establishment of The Local Caterer.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on our journey with The Local Caterer, the three pillars that have had the greatest impact are faith, perseverance, and service to others. Faith in a God who orchestrates everything with our best interests at heart has been our anchor. Without it, the challenges of this world could easily overwhelm us. Perseverance, deeply rooted in that faith, has been essential—especially when facing trials like a global pandemic. Knowing that the greatest challenge of all, life outside the grace of Jesus, has already been overcome puts everything else into perspective.
Lastly, our commitment to service is at the core of what we do. My wife and I have come to realize that, while we may run a catering business, our most valuable offering isn’t just food and drink—it’s peace of mind. We work closely with our clients to understand their vision and help bring it to life, ensuring every detail is taken care of. And, of course, we always deliver delicious food as part of that service.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Our ideal client is someone who truly values quality and understands the importance of creating a memorable experience through catering. They come to us with a clear vision of what they want to accomplish, whether it’s a corporate event, a wedding, or a private gathering. They recognize that catering is not just about providing food—it’s about creating an atmosphere and ensuring every detail aligns with their goals.
These clients appreciate the expertise we bring to the table and trust us to be more than just a service provider; they see us as partners in bringing their event to life. They value our ability to listen, understand their unique needs, and tailor our offerings to meet those needs. Ultimately, our ideal client is someone who seeks value beyond just the price tag—they’re looking for a seamless, stress-free experience where their vision is brought to life with care, professionalism, and exceptional service.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelocalcaterer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelocalcaterer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelocalcatereraz
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thelocalcaterer
Image Credits
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to God for His unwavering guidance and blessings in every aspect of my life. I am profoundly thankful to my wife, Kasandra, for embarking on this incredible journey of life with me—your love and support mean the world to me.
A special thank you to Rick Tomljenovic for introducing me to the Paloma Community Church and for his instrumental role in launching my business. I am equally grateful to Jim Ball for being a remarkable friend and mentor; your wisdom and encouragement inspire me as I look forward to what lies ahead.
I would also like to acknowledge Rob Gray of Level Nine Media for his exceptional work with our social media and marketing efforts. My heartfelt thanks go to Blake Deinas of Deinasty Studios for expertly capturing the memorable moments as we serve our guests. Lastly, thank you to Gabe Charmoli for continually pushing me to grow as a chef and leader, helping me strive for excellence every day.
To everyone who has supported me along the way, your contributions have been invaluable, and I am excited for the future we are building together!
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
