 RENO, Nev. – Others in the food-service industry may tighten their belts as a result of the economic downturn, but Gino De Schryver of Icebox Kitchen is letting his out. In January, the Scolari supermarket chain began carrying ready-to-eat meals previously available only through Icebox Kitchen’s three retail outlets.
“Our supermarket expansion has offset the downturn for us,” said De Schryver, Icebox Kitchen’s 39-year-old owner and executive chef. First offered in only two Scolari’s stores, the gourmet dinners soon will be available in seven stores throughout Reno, Finley and Sparks. De Schryver and his partner, David Borgert, look forward to seeing their product for sale in Scolari stores in Carson City and, possibly, in southern California. It’s the first step toward DeSchryver’s dream of becoming a manufacturer and leaving the sales to retailers
“We do everything for you,” De Schryver explained. Using original recipes and fresh, never-frozen ingredients, Icebox Kitchen distributes its meals in sealed containers that can be heated and served within minutes.
DeSchryver’s growth opportunity came in August. Icebox Kitchen was offering its fare at a fund-raiser for Nevada Museum of Art sponsored by International Gaming Technology; a Scolari representative was so impressed that he approached the enterprising chef. By January, De Schryver was ready to move ahead.
De Schryver is quick to point out that expansion was possible only because Potomac Business Capital of Bethesda, Md., arranged for $45,000 of working capital from AdvanceMe, Inc. within 2 weeks. This funding enabled Icebox Kitchen to take advantage of a volume discount on the microwave- and oven-safe containers that are essential to its product. “The financing was really easy to get,” De Schryver said. “No pre-qualifications. No tax returns were required.”
 Now Scolari customers enjoy Icebox Kitchen’s rotating menu of healthy, well-balanced and affordable meals that require virtually no preparation. De Schryver has made a special effort to use ingredients that appeal to children as well as adults. Among the most popular entrées: parmesan-crusted chicken with basil cream sauce, roasted potatoes and mixed vegetables. Most dishes cost between $10.95 and $11.95.
A Belgium native who spent his teen years in Ireland, De Schryver moved to the United States in 1989. He began his culinary career as personal chef and assistant to the late David Loeb, co-founder and longtime president of Countrywide Financial Corporation and a Nevada land developer. De Schryver and Borgert opened Icebox Kitchen in July 2005, financing it with a personal investment of $700,000.
“There is great satisfaction in having customers tell us how wonderful our product is,” De Schryver said. Now that he’s reaching more customers, De Schryver is braced for more compliments and more satisfaction.
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