Ashley's Food Delivery Celebrates Ten Years

SARASOTA, FL (March 25, 2009) -- As the area’s only multi-restaurant delivery service, Ashley’s Food Delivery has now enjoyed a decade of serving customers in the Sarasota area. This year, the company is celebrating its 10th anniversary with new restaurant choices, expanded delivery services, special giveaways and more!

A LOOK BACK

The Ashley’s Food Delivery success story began as the 20th century ended, when Owner Jeff Sniegocki and his former partner traveled to Sarasota to scout out restaurants for their budding idea of operating a restaurant delivery service (RDS). “A high per-capita income and the absence of an existing service were key factors in deciding on Sarasota,” said Sniegocki, a former employee leasing executive. The pair immediately gained restaurants’ interest and, in February of 2000, Ashley’s Food Delivery launched with seven restaurant partners.

Ten years later, those seven restaurants have burgeoned into 29, offering delivery of everything from home-cooked, comfort food to elegant, gourmet dining. Ashley’s now provides residential and hotel dinner delivery seven days a week, as well as business lunch and drop-off catering services. In 2006, the company expanded into Bradenton, where dinner delivery is currently available from 11 area restaurants.

“Ashley’s Food Delivery is focused on maintaining a diverse line-up of high-quality, local dining favorites and providing the ultimate in customer service, delivering customers’ food hot and fast every time,” said Sniegocki, who now co-owns and operates the business with his wife, Liz.

NEW IN 2009

Ashley’s Food has expanded its services to include gift delivery in 2009. Partnering with Peterbrooke Chocolatier and Troyer’s Dutch Heritage, the company now offers chocolate, bakery and savory themed gift baskets for delivery, ranging from $35-$75. Custom cakes for any occasion and other specialty items are also available for residential and office delivery.

“Gift delivery is a natural progression for our business,” said Sniegocki. “Our mission is to deliver high-quality convenience to our customers; delivering gift items is another way to do this. We have the resources, the providers and the personnel in place.”

Also adding to the mix at Ashley’s Food this spring are several new restaurant delivery options:

Lonjevity features meals high in fiber & protein made with low glycemic index foods, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes.

Simon’s Coffee House offers natural, whole-food based meals and diverse daily menu offerings including homemade soups, paninis, salads and lunch & dinner entrees.

Jersey Mike’s Subs features fresh-made cold subs, grilled subs, wraps, salads and a selection of drop-off catering options, from box lunches to sub trays.

Basil’s Flame Broiled Chicken & Ribs offers chicken dinners and family packs low in fat, calories and cholesterol. Plus, pork baby back ribs and special value priced meals.

A LOOK AHEAD

Ashley’s 10th anniversary ushers in the next chapter of this service-based company. “After 10 years, we’ve laid a strong foundation with excellent restaurant partners, solid operating procedures and a loyal customer base,” said Sniegocki. “The next phase is expansion and concentration in select areas.” These areas include catering, environmentally friendly practices and the Bradenton service.

Expanded catering services: According to Sniegocki, corporate clients and pharmaceutical reps can expect to see a step-up in Ashley’s catering program. “We’re working on a new, expanded catering menu book, express catering options, a corporate rewards program and enhanced presentation,” he said.

Green initiative: Ashley’s Food is initiating efforts to reduce and mitigate the company’s environmental footprint. These steps include working with partner restaurants to use eco-friendly to-go packaging, educating drivers on proper vehicle maintenance for maximum fuel efficiency, and implementing internal policies to reduce paper consumption and increase recycling.

“We’re looking at participating in a tree planting program to help offset our footprint,” said Sniegocki. “And in the next year, we’ll be striving to achieve certification in the Sarasota County Green Business Partnership.”

Focus on Bradenton: With a decade behind the Sarasota operation, Sniegocki plans to place increased attention on servicing the Bradenton area. “The Bradenton marketplace is still new for us,” he said. “We will be increasing our marketing efforts, solidifying our operations and expanding to offer lunch as well as dinner delivery to customers in this area.”

Ashley’s Food Delivery is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a new logo design and enhanced branding effort that spans from new menu guidebooks to redesigned driver uniforms. The company invites the public to join in the 10-year celebration with prize giveaways, held on the 10th of each month in 2009. Details are available on the Ashley’s website at www.ashleysfood.com.