Metz Culinary Management recently introduced a new level of flavor and cultural connection to its corporate dining clients Erie Insurance and Westfield Insurance through two successful Indian cuisine pop-up events. The events were delivered in partnership with Chef Srinivas (“Srini”) Ramchandran of Monsoon Kitchens, a longtime Metz partner known for authentic Indian sauces and marinades.
The collaboration showcased dishes prepared onsite under Chef Srini’s guidance, offering employees a unique opportunity to enjoy authentic flavors at work. The response was enthusiastic, with employees praising the authenticity, variety, and the sense of excitement the pop-ups brought to their workday.
“Our employees loved having Chef Srini in the kitchen, serving dishes and explaining the traditions behind them. It wasn’t just about food, it was about creating a cultural connection and showing our commitment to inclusivity,” said Natalie Bartlett, Metz General Manager at Erie Insurance.
At Erie, Chef Srinivas crafted a symphony of traditional Indian dishes, including rich Chicken Tikka Masala and fragrant Tomato Rice. At Westfield, the menu took a playful turn with inventive Butter Masala Mac & Cheese and Brick Oven Butter Chicken Pizza—both of which proved to be instant favorites among guests.
“Our guests were genuinely curious and excited about the menu,” said Phil Hudak, Metz Chef/General Manager at Westfield Insurance. “The Butter Masala Mac & Cheese was the clear crowd favorite. Chef Srini was fantastic with both our team and our guests—approachable, engaging, and eager to share the inspiration behind each dish. Events like this create a buzz in the café and encourage guests to try something new.”
“Working with Chef Srini was a top-notch experience,” agreed Chef Xavier Smith, Corporate Dining Division Chef, Metz Culinary Management. “His passion for authenticity and respect for Indian culinary heritage is unmatched. These pop-ups are just the beginning. We look forward to building on this success.”
Chef Srini, who trained at the prestigious Taj Hotel in Mumbai and has led culinary operations across the U.S., brought both expertise and enthusiasm to the events. “It’s always an honor to share the flavors of India with new audiences,” he said. “Food has the power to connect people, and it was inspiring to see that connection happen in real time at Erie and Westfield.”
The pop-ups helped Metz connect with a growing demographic within the client organizations. At Erie Insurance, for example, a significant and expanding Indian employee population traditionally brought meals from home. The event encouraged greater engagement with on-site dining services and introduced new customers to Metz’s broader offerings. Westfield diners were similarly enthusiastic, welcoming the chance to explore authentic international flavors in a familiar corporate setting.
Building on the success at Erie and Westfield, Metz plans to expand similar events to additional corporate accounts in the near future.