Prepare to Party
As the weather heats up, it’s time to chill out with friends and family. Nothing beats the relaxed energy of a summer get-together. Long days, poolside fare and great company are already working in your favor. Ready to step it up? We asked one of Big Y’s finest party planners for all the best tips to make a great party fun and easy.
Victor ‘Manny’ Colon
Big Y Assistant Kitchen Manager
Milford, CT
How did you get started at Big Y?
I started right after graduating high school. I heard it was a great place to work and applied one day not thinking I would actually get a call for an interview with no real work experience.
How long have you worked at Big Y?
I’ve been with the company for 10 years now. I started as a Deli Clerk and over the years, with hard work and persistence, rose up to be an Assistant Kitchen Manager.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I fell in love with the customer service aspect of the job. I thoroughly enjoy helping our customers figure out what best suits their needs from the selection we offer.
What types of parties can the Big Y Kitchen help with?
The real question is what type of parties CAN’T we help with! There is not an occasion where we don’t add value or raise the bar with our selection.
At what part of the planning process should a customer involve the Big Y Kitchen?
The best time to reach out is when you have a good idea on how many guests are going to be at the event. It is much easier to guesstimate the amount of food needed with a roundabout head count.
In addition to party food, are there other ways that Big Y can help with party planning?
Absolutely, each of our departments has employees that are knowledgeable and help party plan all the time. After all, we’re people too and can put our expertise to work for you.
What should customers know about the Big Y Kitchen that would be helpful to them when planning a party?
We really try to make ordering for your event easy and convenient. We can help make your order exactly what you envision, without making it a daunting process.
What is the number one party food favorite that customers order the most?
Hands down, it is the 30” SuperSubs. I always get a look of disbelief when a customer asks, “How much does that big sandwich go for?” and I proceed to tell them the price and what we offer. They are amazed at what a great offer it is.
How do you help customers know how much food to buy?
I have two methods of determining the answer to this. First, how many guests will be attending? Second, what is the budget? The main goal for both strategies is to provide the customer with the feeling that they got the most bang for their buck.
What money-saving party-planning tricks do you have?
I use my myBigY digital account via the myBigY app to take advantage of all the special offers exclusive to Big Y.
What are your tips for last-minute get-togethers?
Keep it simple. Nothing is worse than stressing out about the small details that most of the time go unnoticed. Let us do the work for you.
What is your favorite tip for a large get-together?
**Also my money-saving party trick**
I like to have a potluck for large get-togethers. It takes some of the burden off of me. It also ensures that everyone will have at least one dish they can enjoy and share with others.
What would you like customers to know the most about the Big Y Kitchen?
Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask what we can do for you. It doesn’t have to be a cut-and-dry process. We really go out of our way to make sure customers get the absolute most of what we offer.
