Gourmet to go: Connie Brechtel’s take on catering and meal prep
Photos by Rachel Howard
For Connie Brechtel, the kitchen has always been more than just a place to prepare meals; it’s been the heart of her family’s legacy. Her passion for cooking can be traced back to her childhood, where she spent countless hours watching her Aunt Rene at her small café in Decatur in the late 70s.
“I loved watching her cook on the grill,” Connie reminisces. Coming from a large family – she is one of 12 siblings – Connie cherishes memories of massive holiday dinners, especially Thanksgiving, with all the fixings. These gatherings ignited her passion for fellowship and home-cooked meals.
Connie’s culinary journey is one of dedication and versatility. While earning a Commercial Food Service degree from Wallace State, she managed her own store, raised her children and supported her husband Chuck in his business ventures. She gained hands-on experience through internships at All Steak in Cullman and City Cafe and held various kitchen management positions before becoming the Chef and Owner of Brechtel’s Restaurant in 2013. She also founded Events by Brechtel, a successful catering company, and later launched Prepmeals2go in 2019, catering to busy families with convenient meal solutions.
Her entrepreneurial spirit first appeared with Party Express, a business offering wedding supplies, party planning, and catering services. Her ventures have always been family-operated, with her children and extended family playing active roles. Recognizing the challenges of balancing work and family meals during her time at a desk job in 2019, Connie created Prepmeals2go, which quickly grew into a successful service supported by her catering clients. This culminated in the opening of The Market2Go in Hartselle. Throughout her journey, Connie credits her husband as her partner and sous chef, highlighting their shared dedication and hard work.
Among her customers, Poulet de Normandy, Spinach Salad and her famous Chicken Salad are top picks. “I love, and I think so many others love, my version of chicken salad because it is perfect alone or can be a starter for your preferred version,” Connie notes. Her chicken salad recipe has become a staple in many households, with customers adding their own twists like bacon, cheese, grapes, pecans and raisins.
Offering a weekly menu featuring Southern classics and comforting favorites, patrons can indulge in Shrimp & Grits, served with a crisp side salad with ranch and a slice of garlic bread. Another hearty option is the Chicken and Dressing, accompanied by sweet potato casserole, green beans and a roll. For a unique twist, try the Thanksgiving Sandwich, which combines turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce on grilled sourdough bread, and includes chips, a choice of brownie or cookie and a small drink.
For those who prefer to plan their meals in advance, Connie offers a convenient online ordering menu featuring a variety of options including desserts, cold salads, lean & green dishes, premium sides, casseroles and entrées. Simply schedule your pickup date when placing your order and allow at least three business days for preparation.
Many of Connie’s recipes are family heirlooms, passed down through generations of great cooks. She blends this rich culinary tradition with a modern twist, offering healthy options that retain the fresh, homemade feel but with high protein and low carbs.
“I want to provide new healthy options that still feel like home,” she says.
The business is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and on Fridays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information or to place an order, you can reach them at (256) 778-3100.
It is located at 2211-C Hwy 31 SW, Hartselle.
