People often ask: How did Basil Tree Catering get started? Surprisingly the owner, Valerie Shulock, did not have any formal culinary training. She did, however study Bio-Psychology with a specialty in Nutrition and Behavior as an undergrad at Tufts University. Later, while working on her Masters in Management of Human Services at Brandeis University, she took the advice of the head of the program and left school to carry out a business plan she had created for a class.
In 1987, Val enlisted the help of her friends and co-workers, Irene and Carlos Carvalho, and launched Basil Tree Inc. In a small, shared kitchen in Somerville, they prepared unique pasta salads for area cafes and take-out markets; an idea that soon evolved to include catering. The catering became so popular that they decided to eliminate the wholesale aspect of the business altogether.
Basil Tree is now located in the Fresh Pond area of Cambridge. Val remains the sole owner and the staff has grown to almost 30 employees with 10 delivery vans. Basil Tree recently received official certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise as well as an LGBT Business Enterprise and continually works to support other underrepresented groups in the local community.
Basil Tree Catering proudly provides high-quality clean food and friendly service that our clients have counted on for over 30 years. Thanks for your business!