If Clockwork Catering Company served duck a l’orange, it could be nicknamed “Clockwork Orange Catering Company.”
But Reuben Skahill’s catering business has nothing to do with the Anthony Burgess book.
“The reasoning behind the name is I wanted to provide catering that’s on time and in the right place,” says Skahill, 31.
“Just kind of like clockwork. Very ‘time is right.’” The time also was right for Skahill to start his own catering business.
“I have been working with the local food community in different positions and different voices. And everywhere I’ve gone I’ve been asked to help out people and businesses. And it’s been a really awesome experience.”
Born in Boston, Skahill moved to Memphis when he was a teenager. He was co-founder of — but no longer affiliated with — Memphis Sandwich Clique. He also was founder of the old Clique HQ, an “underground sandwich speakeasy.”
Now, Skahill wants to put everything he’s learned into one business. “I’ve catered before, but I’ve never owned a catering business. I’ve done every part of this in different parts of my jobs. From the kitchen to delivery to behind-the-scenes, doing the business and paperwork stuff. I’ve done every one of these aspects at different parts of my life. And, hopefully, now I can put them all together and, hopefully, make something happen.”
Clockwork Catering Company is “catering for large events or for your lunches at your office parties.” It’s also “available for anything,” including “last minute Christmas parties, holiday parties, divorce parties.”
As for the food, Skahill says, “This menu I have is more practical and less fantastical.”
His sandwiches include turkey and cheese, a classic club sandwich, and an Italian sub. Skahill’s entrees include his mom’s “famous Everything Sesame Salmon. It’s salmon with toasted sesame seed oil, a little soy sauce, and Everything seasoning from Everything Bagels. This is one of the things I’m most excited to bring to the world because I get to eat it and now other people will.”
Skahill is also prepared to do “lasagna, taco bars, a baked potato bar, and barbecued pulled pork.”
His desserts include New York-style cheesecake and chocolate strawberries. “I’ve got all these things available in trays.”
Jennifer Alexander, who owns Corporate Cuisine, lets Skahill work out of her kitchen. Skahill also helps Alexander with her catering jobs.
The shared work space is ideal. “It’s a nice little place where I can create all this food and deliver it.”
Skahill also physically helps out at events. “Take care of the service part of the events as well.
“Essentially, I can bring the food and then serve it to people and make sure the trays are full.”
Skahill’s first food-related job was when he was in his late teens working at the old Holy Cow kosher restaurant at Memphis Jewish Community Center. “I worked on a poolside grill for two and a half years doing burgers and hot dogs and simple stuff. Chicken pitas.”
Skahill learned the delivery aspect of catering by working as a delivery driver for Amerigo Italian Restaurant and Jimmy John’s.
“I know I’ve been doing things for a reason,” Skahill says. Now, he adds, “It’s all coming together.”
He’s not trying to be a “celebrity chef,” Skahill says. “I’m not trained to be a three-star Michelin chef. I’m not trying to be recognized by the community for my prowess in the kitchen. But I’m going to make quality food, locally made, delivered on time, in the right place.”
By the way, Reuben Skahill also makes Reuben sandwiches. “Corn beef on marbled rye with melted Swiss, Thousand Island dressing, and some sauerkraut. I have been eating Reuben sandwiches since I’ve had teeth. And I feel like I’m going out on a limb here when I say I feel like I have a good grip on what Reuben sandwiches should taste like.”
To reach Clockwork Catering Company, call 901-289-2493 or go to clockworkcateringcompany.com.
