Jessica Gibbons - Founder, Hungry Student Catering 

NEW TIMES: How did you get the idea of starting a business like this?

GIBBONS: About a year ago, when working for a marketing firm, I was asked to help with an event. They needed catering, but just the labor and not the food. It was sort of a “light bulb moment”, and I had the idea that there really wasn’t a business that could fill that duty.

NEW TIMES: How does your relationship work with the various restaurants you partner with?

GIBBONS: We incorporate advertising in that we promote the restaurants we cater with at the same time that we work. The client chooses what kind of food they want for their event, and we recommend what restaurant would best suit those needs. We work with restaurants to make high-quality, portable meals.

NEW TIMES: What was the reason behind your business’ focus on students?

GIBBONS: As a former student who worked full-time while in school, I was inspired to provide flexible, well-paying jobs to those who are still in school now. I know how it is to go through school on a budget, and I find it important to pay well and want to do so as an employer.

NEW TIMES: Do students get to take home the leftover food?

GIBBONS: It’s all up to the client. The clients can elect to take the leftovers home themselves, or they can give it to the student workers to take home. They can also donate it to a local homeless shelter, and we’ll deliver it free of charge.

NEW TIMES: What would you say is the mission of your company?

GIBBONS: We seek to help local restaurants increase sales, while giving students good jobs. We also want to be the middle-man for catering functions, providing lots of options to customers and offering anything else they’d want in addition to catering.