Healthy catering, for real!
In 2009, Chef Steve began creating lunches and snacks for Koalaroo Daycare, a home child care center run by his wife from the basement of their home. It was here that Chef Steve was able to solve many of the riddles and problems that plague so many parents when it comes to nutritionally feeding toddlers and young children.
The following year, due to the success of the home business, Koalaroo Preschool was created as a full sized academic facility, and Chef Steve continued to dish up meals and snacks, giving up his job and turning to the preschool full time. It was during this initial year that the international home cooking menu began to take shape and the “Broader palate, broader mind” philosophy was born. By the end of the academic year of 2010-11, there were 20 different dishes from 11 different countries and growing.
As the menu grew, so did the accolades from parents,
many of whom could not believe what their children were eating.
“Can’t forget the amazing on-site chef!!”
Steve Primeau
Koalaroo Parent
“His quiet enthusiasm and dedication to making food more than just a routine has made the year extra special”
Martha Kovac
Koalaroo Parent
“Our son loves Chef Steve’s yummy lunches and asks for two to three helpings!"
Heather Turner
Koalaroo Parent
“The home cooked meals on site have gotten my kids eating things that I never would have imagined them eating like they do”
Adam Cheise
Koalaroo Parent
By the year 2018, the menu consisted of 28 different dishes from 19 different countries from all around the world and the word of the lunches and snacks being offered at this one particular child care center was spreading.
Under inquiries, requests, and downright demands for his food, the decision to leave the preschool was made and a fully operational commercial kitchen was created at a separate location. This new facility included a bakery, a meat processing area, and a separate fruit and vegetable prep station to ensure no cross contamination of any food, and, in late 2020, Koalaroo Catering began operation.
Since then, the menu has evolved to include a wider variety of domestic fare, as well as breakfast options, as we strive to accommodate all centers, but the focus of fresh fruits and vegetables still remains at the heart of our operation and always will!
~ Chef Steve
