Cynthia Gallero-Greer’s love of cooking began many years ago at her grandmother’s home in Vicksburg, Miss., where she and her family would gather every Sunday for a good old-fashioned southern meal.
Greer, now of Niles, would watch her grandmother with awe as she made dishes she still remembers today.
“She was such an inspiration to me when it comes to my cooking,” Greer said. “She made the best tea cakes… so moist. I still can’t get them just right.”
Last week, Greer and the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce held a grand opening for her new business, Katharos Catering, located at 1125 Wayne St., Niles.
Greer purchased the company about two months ago from Karen Beckwith, owner of Food by Karen and Company.
Greer said Beckwith has been kind enough to “show her the ropes” and put her in contact with her former clients.
“I just love her,” said Greer, a 1982 graduate of Niles High School.
“I really admire how she is giving me support with feedback and coaching. She’s been wonderful.”
To understand Greer’s business philosophy, one doesn’t have to look further than the name Katharos, which means clean or pure in Greek.
“My take on it, is the things we put into our body can give us a pure and clean heart, and that allows us to bear good fruit,” she said. “We are healthy, we are able to smile.
“When people eat my food they are happy, so they are smiling and they area enjoying it. It is more of a social thing I just love making people happy.”
Opening Katharos Catering has been a life-long dream of Greer, who worked in upper management in the retail sector most of her life.
“I’ve always had the passion to be an event coordinator and caterer since I was young, but it just never worked out until now,” said Greer, who has more than five years experience.
Katharos Catering offers catering services for all occasions.
Call the business at (269) 262-4110 or email it at katharos.catering1@comcast.net.
Greer said she hopes to open a small restaurant in the front of the business in December.
It would have a vintage look and be open from brunch, lunch and dinner.
“My vision is to have people lining up to get in here. I want it to be a place people will call for reservations,” she said. “I want to see that.”
Greer is a former standout sprinter for the Niles High School track and field team.
She is currently a youth leader at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Niles.
Through the church, she offers free hot food for youth every Wednesday evening.
“You’d be surprised, but sometimes it is the only hot meal some of these kids get,” she said. “It is our way of giving back to the community.”
On the second Sunday of the month Greer will hold a “Southern Taste” at the business from 1-4 p.m.
The next one is Nov. 10.