Daly City commission debates catering, vendors and program for May 7 legacy business celebration

Daly City’s Small Business Commission spent a significant portion of its April 9 meeting planning a May 7 Legacy Business Celebration that will honor five nominated businesses.

Vice Chair John Pena Serrano and other commissioners confirmed the list of five nominees and discussed event logistics, budget and programming. Commissioners noted there is no dedicated budget for food and considered options ranging from a full caterer to local small vendors supplying finger food and dessert samples.

"We try to go Daly City first," one commissioner said, emphasizing a preference for local vendors and small businesses. Commissioners suggested a mix of three vendor types (dessert, appetizers and an entree or main bite) and discussed asking local establishments such as small pizza shops, a 'Bagel House' near the Target and a newly opened Cafe 86 on Saint Francis Square to participate.

In planning the program, commissioners proposed a two‑hour event with an initial hour for mingling and food and a second hour for awards, presentations and photo opportunities, including a step‑and‑repeat backdrop and a photo booth. Entertainment ideas included hiring a DJ for music during the first hour and allowing short acceptance speeches from award recipients.

The commission also discussed displays for legacy businesses in designated tables and possible demonstrations from nominees, and agreed to reach out to the chamber and local vendors for help serving or providing samples. Because the commission confirmed the nominees and much of the format, staff follow‑up to secure vendors, finalize the menu and produce a slideshow was the immediate next step.

No formal action was taken at the meeting; commissioners delegated follow‑up tasks and outreach to identified volunteers and staff.