By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Photo/Jennifer MacNeil Photography
Northborough – In March, when COVID-19 restrictions were put into effect, many businesses closed or experienced a dramatic change in their normal operations. Businesses in the food industry were especially hit hard. Sir Loin Catering owner Geoff Kelly didn’t think twice about how to use his excess inventory to offer his Corona-Culinary Menu for free to help those also impacted by the pandemic.
The 2020 Applefest Committee has announced that Kelly has been named grand marshal for his generous spirit and community support.
“The Committee could not think of a better candidate,” said Applefest Chairman Michelle Gillespie. “During the height of the pandemic, when everyone stayed home, Geoff stepped up and cooked for many weeks feeding the residents in our community who needed healthy, gourmet meals. In these tough times, the true measure of one’s character is shown. Geoff has shown time and time again he is a thoughtful individual who cares deeply for this community.”
Kelly provided meals twice a week for two months and impacted over 15,000 people including hospital staff and elderly individuals who couldn’t leave their homes. He was able to continue the program because of the community support and monetary donations.
He noted that someone even sold handmade masks and donated the proceeds toward the effort, while another left painted rocks with the words “thank you” on them.
“I am blown away and humbled to be named grand marshal,” said Kelly. “I didn’t see it coming.”
Chefs that Kelly had worked with in the past, who also were temporarily out of work, volunteered their time to prepare and package meals. Other community members offered to help with delivery or donated gas cards to offset the cost.
“It was a huge team effort,” he said. “There was no stress in the kitchen; it was great comradery and it was fun to come up with menus twice a week. Everyone stepped up and it couldn’t have continued without the support from the town. People are so beautiful.”
He said it was heartwarming to see the look of gratitude on the faces of those receiving meals.
Kelly is no stranger to Northborough – he was raised here and returned to town later as an adult. This year he celebrates 20 years of Sir Loin Catering; the last eight of them have been in Northborough.
A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, he has been cooking all of his life and has extensive experience in the restaurant industry. Sir Loin Catering offers a state-of-the art mobile kitchen as he prefers to cook on site so the food is as fresh as possible.
Some of his favorites include smoked meats, pig roasts, and sirloin tips.
Kelly has adapted his catering business to be COVID friendly. Party sizes are smaller and there are more in backyards instead of at venues. His food truck is also available for onsite taco or grilling parties and makes it easy for proper social distancing.
He will also be initiating a new program to assist the remote learning models for school. Healthy sandwiches, protein bars, and snacks will be an alternative to school lunches and will have a convenient way to order on line.
A new venture for Kelly is PlanIt Eats, a grab and go meal choice, which offers fresh, never frozen gluten free, sugar free and dairy free meals prepared in a trusted kitchen.
Sir Loin Catering and PlanIt Eats (https://sirloincatering.com) are located at 369 West Main Street, Northborough.
