Three months in, Fare and Square thriving - announces new partnership with established Columbus company

Three months into her startup, Gahanna mother Crystal Files is mind-blown. Fare and Square, the chef-prepared meal-delivery service that she created for busy moms like her, has quickly become a hit. “I am in awe of how people have responded,” says Crystal, 33. “I thought there were other moms like me who wanted to simplify their nights—no cooking, no clean up, just enjoying dinner with their families. But there are so many more people who were craving that, too, from cancer patients to empty nesters to single professionals.” Fare and Square offers chef-prepared dinners delivered to your doorstep -- ready to heat and eat when it’s convenient for you. Here, Crystal talks about her concept, how it’s already evolving and why an established Columbus company has become its first major partner.

Q: Fare and Square launched three months ago, and response has been tremendous. What are customers telling you?

 A: First, the proof’s in the pudding: Almost 85-percent of our customers each week are repeat customers, so they’re coming back for more, which is incredible! Secondly, we recently surveyed customers, and 9 of 10 said they would recommend us to friends and family, which is both humbling and exciting. I’ve had a chance to meet so many customers during deliveries on Sundays and over the phone. Many of them have said Fare and Square feels like an extension of their family. That’s a connection you can’t fake or buy, and I love it. It’s exactly how I want us to feel.

Q: Aside from making life easier for busy families, you've also won a lot of single fans. What have you done to accommodate them?

A: Because of the interest from single working professionals, we created an option just for them called You Pick 5. It’s $75 for dinner for the entire week! No groceries, no waste, no cooking, no cleanup. Done!

Q: This week, you announced a new partnership with Yellow Cab, who will now deliver the Fare and Square meals. What does this mean for Fare and Square customers?

 A: I am extremely excited about the partnership with Yellow Cab! It gives us a chance to focus even more on what we’re great at—creating amazing meals. Yellow Cab has 167 vehicles in Columbus, and they are experts at logistics. Because of that, our customers will have smaller delivery windows and we will be able to expand our delivery areas, which customers have requested. Pickerington and Grove City are likely up next. Stay tuned for announcements this fall!

Q: There's actually a great story about how the Yellow Cab partnership originated. How did it start?

A: The CEO of Yellow Cab has been a customer of Fare and Square from the beginning. One Sunday, I was personally delivering their meals, and Morgan said, “You’ve helped my family every week. Is there anything I can do for you?” He asked if we could use help delivering meals and then shared that he was the CEO of Yellow Cab. I have been blown away by the care and service this company has given Fare and Square. It’s another example of what makes Columbus great—there is so much support for other local businesses.

Q: How does Fare and Square work?

A: Each week, we offer a new menu of six dinner options that are designed with family in mind, so they’re balanced meals. You can go online and identify the meals you want, select the number of servings, pay, and then those meals are delivered to your doorstep on Sundays. The meals are delivered chilled, and that way it’s so easy for you to heat and eat in a few minutes. 

Q: Who cooks the food?

A: We have a fulltime executive chef who has cooked at places like Ocean Club and New Albany Country Club. He is awesome.

Q: Your family is eating Fare and Square almost nightly now. What have been your personal favorite dishes?

A: Our family loves the Cajun pasta and salmon with roasted broccoli. If I had a dollar for every piece of positive feedback I got about our broccoli, I’d be set! [laughing]

Order now at www.fareandsquare.com.