Business: Easy Entrees
Address: 2950 Bear Creek Blvd., Lakewood
Hours: 2-6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m.-noon Saturday
Founded: 2004
Contact: 303-238-3279,
Employees: 11
Interview with Robin Fickle, owner/chef
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: Creating delicious, healthful meals and nurturing others through my cooking has always been my passion. That, coupled with my husband’s desire for us to own a small business (and a bonus that it involved great food), led us to purchase Easy Entrees eight years ago.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: We make chef-created meals you cook at home. With the arrival of national meal providers like Plated and Blue Apron, people have become more aware and educated about services like ours. I think if people knew there was a local option, they would choose Easy Entrees. We offer a brand new menu every month. Our meal kits are prepared fresh and designed to be frozen, with all the components (for example, fresh parsley, onion, garlic, chicken) already sliced, diced, and measured — no knife or cutting board required. Just follow the easy cooking instructions and dinner is ready in (typically) less than 30 minutes. Meals can be customized for dietary needs, including gluten free. And if you need dinner tonight, we also offer fresh meal options each day. Plus, amazing holiday dinner packages are available for Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: The food, of course, but even more — the people. Starting with my staff, all of whom have my utmost respect and admiration, who inspire me with their individual expertise, creativity and dedication. Then there are our customers. We really do have the best. Many have become friends and extended family, as they’ve invited us to their dinner tables night after night and trusted us to feed their families. It is a privilege to serve them, and we never take this for granted. Whenever we receive a testimonial as to how our meals have made an impact on a person or family, I share it with the staff and remind them that this is why we do what we do.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Like so many small businesses, getting the word out. Our national competitors seem to have unlimited resources, forcing us to be more creative at targeting our best audience. Also, expanding our delivery service to be more frequent. These represent both challenges as well as opportunities.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We have two stores: Our Lakewood store, as well as one in Lone Tree, where our commercial kitchen is located and all food production takes place. Both stores are open for order pickups and walk-in purchases (both fresh and frozen meals), although the Lakewood store has more limited hours. We also deliver all over the metro area.
