Chef Tonne Khabir has been on the forefront of the Dallas catering scene since 1993, however in early 2009 she realized her lifelong dream of a successful entrepreneur was at stake. In this rocky economy she was also was hit with a separation of her business partner and former husband compounded by a landlord that refuse to renegotiate the lease on her 6000 sqaure foot loft space. She lost clients like Cap Gemini. Southwest Airlines and the list goes one, no one seemed to be in a celebratory mood or feeling like throwing parties; however after talking to her younger soldier brother, he gave her some solid advice, try government contracting.
In a desperate attempt she began her bequest of contracting in May 2009, within 90 days of her beginning she was awarded a bread contract with the Department of Justice in El Reno Oklahoma; although the contract was only 9000.00 it proved to give her company the cash flow it needed to stay afloat until the next contract.
In August of 2009 once again Chef Tonne was awarded a Non appropriated funds contract with the United State Air Force, one problem it was in Washington DC. This challenge would take her from the comforts of the Dallas Texas straight to Washington DC; it was pilot program for the Department of Defense provided fresh organic, healthy comfort foods to the men and women of Bolling AFB, casual dining atmosphere. .
(http://www.dcmilitary.com/stories/010710/aviator_28223.shtml).
Chef Tonne accepted the contract to gain knowledge of federal contracting, moved to DC for the duration of a year, successfully completed the contract with numerous awards from 3 and 4 star generals, base commanders, etc.
In August 2010 with knowledge under her belt, she returned to comforts of her home in Dallas Texas, settled in and began the bidding process again.
On November 22, 2010 she was awarded once again a contract with Ft. Hood, this time closer to home, shorter in length and twice as much money. Chef Tonne was awarded a contract of $250000 to feed soldiers headed to Iraq, this 24 hour feeding schedule called for a staff of 15 to feed 24 hours a day 22 days. The opportunity was amazing and the experience was priceless, there has been numerous challenged for this Dallas entrepreneur, however thru the power of prayer and entrepreneur tenacity she’s proving that you can survive a recession and maintain your love of what you do
best!! You can check out her company at www.bobsaithconsulting.com or find her on Facebook-chef tonne.
