Highland catering business gives back to community during COVID-19 pandemic
During the past three months, hundreds of Highland families got a knock on the door only to meet the smiling face of Brendan Delaney, owner of Cygan & Delaney Catering in Highland, and his helpers as they delivered a surprise dinner.
Brendan knew he had to put planned feasts on hold during the state-ordered shutdown, but he devised a way to perpetuate his third generation enterprise by giving back to the community that had faithfully patronized his family-owned business for the past 45 years.
Born Feb. 8, 1983, in Maryville Hospital to Dan and Val Del Delaney, Brendan became a little brother to then 6-year-old sister, Danielle, and Highland was home.
Somewhat adventurous and perhaps mischievous, Brendan and a childhood buddy once launched a horse trough some 200 yards down a raging flooded creek for a thrill ride since no canoe was available. Fortunately, Brendan’s parent caught them before they could get injured.
Fishing, football, and all sorts of sports occupied Brendan’s early years and the family often visited Disney World and took occasional cruises. His maternal grandparents, Jack and Shirley, had established and were operating the catering business for eight years prior to Brendan’s birth. Several other male family members had careers in law enforcement and Brendan had early on thought he had a future in criminal justice.
He graduated from Highland High School in 2001 and excelled in math and Spanish. He continued his love of football and served as the school’s quarterback. He also continued admiring a young lady, Jackie Eilers, whom he had known since eighth grade.
At Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Brendan studied criminal justice and by then, his parents took on the family business. Brendan then transferred to McKendree University to perpetuate his pursuit of possibly entering Special Forces or the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He continued as quarterback for the football team and was reunited with Jackie at McKendree.
After graduation and after having decided he did not want a job which would cause extended hours away from home and family, and also possibly because he was intently vying for Jackie’s affections, Brendan took a position with Sysco delivering bulk food for 11 years.
Brendan said he knew Jackie was the one for him because “she was nice to me and I liked the way she treated other people. But she was hard to get and I had to chase her for 10 years until she finally gave in,” recalls Brendan.
Tying the knot, taking over family business
The two married Nov. 27, 2015, and are now the parents of Drake and Mila. Three years ago, Brendan’s parents retired and Brendan decided to preserve the family trade and, from numerous accounts, has executed the job admirably and successfully.
“I’ve always been competitive and had a desire to strive for excellence,” said Brendan. “Not only in sports, hunting, golfing and fishing, but in our catering business as well. When my parents ran it, they held many events, including catered affairs for Al Gore and Whitey Herzog.”
Before the onset on the coronavirus pandemic, Brendan and his staff of 30 could easily provide fare for eight to 10 wedding venues on a single Saturday throughout the metro-east and St. Louis area, using time-honored family recipes and many new additions.
Judy Koerkenmier, who has been his head cook for 25 years, commented one of their most memorable occasions happened when a wedding party arrived at the reception four hours late and the majority were already highly intoxicated. Their meticulously prepared cuisine ended up being used in a friendly food fight.
But all their business came to a screeching halt with the COVID-19 mandate from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker that all restaurants, food caterers shut down. Brendan knew he would not be content with not being able to help his fellowman.
Giving back to the community in Highland, Troy
Literally myriads of local donors began giving Brendan large and small amounts of money to contribute to the food, preparation and delivery of hot meals for those struggling financially during the furloughs. The Highland Optimist Club, Erie Insurance in Highland and Nancy Flaschbart spearheaded the monetary donations, along with those who desired to remain anonymous.
Families in Highland and Troy were blessed with the unexpected knock on the door followed by the delivery of a hot dinner for their family.
“Many broke down in tears,” said Brendan. “I can’t fail to acknowledge the many volunteers who assisted me in this endeavor: Kim Beard, Jennifer Conley, Austin Welz, Sam and Stacey LaPorta and my sister, Danielle Davis.”
Brendan said, “my parents taught me to always treat others as you would want to be treated and to never forget to give back.”
Give back he did. According to Brendan, this has been one of his most rewarding acts ever.
“I know my grandpa is smiling from heaven,” he said.
In the meantime, until state mandates are diminished, Brendan and his staff provide curbside pickup meals from 4:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Business is planning for future weddings
So what about June being the favorite month for weddings? Brendan said many couples have postponed their weddings for late summer and autumn through the Christmas holidays. What will the new catering rules entail? That is yet to be revealed. But one thing is certain, Brendan has a plan.
“Food will either be plated, served family style or we will design a serving line protected by plexiglass and use gloves, masks and disinfectants,” said Brendan.
Their presentation includes ice sculptures, taco, pizza and burger bars. A sampling of their menu reflects baked ham with apple chutney, smoked pork loin, mesquite turkey breast, Italian beef, baked chicken breasts, fried chicken, stifled chicken breast, prime rib, pork steaks, seafood ravioli, several veggies and side dishes, pasta specialties, and a plethora of appetizers and desserts.
Until they are able to get back in full swing, they will continue carry out and Brendan and his family will be spending quality family time at his father’s cabin in the Lake of the Ozarks.