Photo credit: www.entrepreneur.com
In an industry defined by significant events, Sebastien Centner emphasizes the importance of the finer details.
“In our business, there are expectations,” he remarks. “Hot food should be hot, and the quality must be up to par. That’s just the baseline. The last five percent, however, is what truly sets us apart.”
Centner is the brains behind Eatertainment, a Toronto-based catering and events company that orchestrates over 1,000 events annually. His path to this venture was marked by initial confidence paired with valuable lessons.
Related: This ‘Chopped’ Champion Overcame Cancer Multiple Times, Lost Nearly 200 Pounds, and Found Purpose in Presence
Before entering the catering industry, Centner managed a bar and restaurant. His leap into catering began when a regular patron requested his help for a daughter’s engagement party, marking Centner’s first foray into such an event.
Convinced he had everything under control—with chefs, servers, beverages, and food—he believed it was a straightforward task.
“It turned out to be a disaster,” he shares with Shawn Walchef, host of Restaurant Influencers. “If we met even half of the client’s expectations, I would have been surprised.”
Despite the poor outcome, Centner became determined. “In that first year, we organized 20 events,” he reflects. “I learned and improved with each one, progressively doing a less subpar job.”
As time passed, he implemented a robust system focused on meticulous planning and attention to detail. Each aspect of an event was outlined beforehand, allowing his team to navigate unforeseen challenges while still delivering memorable experiences.
“I often say we can only achieve the extra five percent if the foundational 95 percent is meticulously planned,” he explains. “If you’re in crisis mode dealing with basic issues on event day, there’s no room for excellence.”
Related: How a ‘Finance Guy’ and a ‘Restaurant Guy’ Collaborated to Invest in Over 55 Companies
This philosophy has remained at the forefront of his business approach, accompanied by undeniable pressures.
“You’re engaged with clients over wine tastings, traveling to South Africa to explore venues—it’s almost like a trip with friends,” he remarks. “Yet, if things go awry, we are still responsible. They aren’t our friends; they rely on us.”
Centner thrives in the dynamic catering scene, drawn to its fast pace, creative challenges, and problem-solving opportunities. Yet, he maintains a clear boundary: this remains a business that succeeds on consistent delivery.
His wife, Sheila, has been an integral partner in this journey, contributing significantly to the growth of both the business and its brand. “She provides balance in my life,” Centner states.
Their personal and professional partnership blossomed quickly. “When I met her, she moved in within a week. We were engaged in a month and married within the year,” he recounts fondly.
Related: How a Jersey Kid Transformed His Restaurant Into a West Coast Powerhouse
Working alongside each other for many years, Centner manages logistics and business scaling while Sheila is at the helm of creativity—crafting content, directing strategy, and pushing the company toward continuous evolution.
“She’s the one who’ll declare, ‘If I see one more matcha green tea mini burger, I’m going to lose it,'” he laughs. “And she has a point. After six months, it’s time for a change.”
With Sheila guiding the creative development and content strategy, the in-house team at Eatertainment now captures every event, edits video highlights, and provides clients with tailored recap packages. This layer of sophistication was once absent in the catering sector but is now integral to their distinctive approach.
What fuels Centner after two decades isn’t merely business expansion; it’s the joy of the people involved. “Seeing the expressions on guests’ faces as they enter a space is my favorite part,” he shares. “They smile, pull out their phones to document the moment. That’s the reaction we strive for.”
To Centner, these moments encapsulate everything. The ambiance, cuisine, and music work together to create that spark of happiness—the connection that defines how Eatertainment aims to serve its clients.
Related: Many Creators Mismanage Brand Partnerships — Here’s Advice from a Sponsorship Expert
About Restaurant Influencers
Restaurant Influencers is supported by Toast, a robust restaurant point-of-sale and management system designed to enhance operations, boost sales, and create optimal guest experiences.
Toast — Empowering Successful Restaurants. Discover more about Toast.
Source
www.entrepreneur.com