Our Mission & Impact

The Heart of Ida & Co.

At Ida & Co., our culinary journey is deeply intertwined with a heartfelt mission, born from a moment of immense pride and a clear vision for service. We believe that food nourishes not just the body, but also the spirit and community.

Our Genesis: A Weekend That Changed Everything

Our story truly began in November 2024, on the hallowed grounds of Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego. It was a weekend of profound significance as we celebrated the graduation of our son, Cameron Lindsey, from this esteemed institution.  

During those multi-day activities, we witnessed firsthand the incredible dedication of the graduating Marines and the immense sacrifices of their families. Many traveled from all corners of the world, often with limited budgets, to support their loved ones through early morning activities and long days on base. We observed a critical need: the existing food options were often overpriced, lacked freshness, and simply didn't meet the needs of these devoted families.

This personal experience ignited a powerful calling. We immediately returned home, inspired to file the paperwork for Ida & Co., driven by a vision to fill this gap and serve a community that means so much to us.

Our Guiding Principles

The name "Ida & Co." holds deep personal significance, embodying a legacy of love, resilience, and the promise of future generations. It is named in honor of my beloved grandmother, who recently passed in April 2025 at 98 years of age, and my precious daughter, born on February 29th. This name is a constant reminder of the profound connections that inspire our work.

We cook with our hearts and lead with God being for us. Our business is founded on principles of kindness, generosity, and unwavering integrity. We believe in abundance and that through God's love, we can serve all, never compromising our values.

Our mission is clear: to wholeheartedly support families during significant life events. We are committed to ensuring that no one goes hungry, offering fresh, delicious, and diverse culinary options at fair price points. We understand the financial realities many families face and pledge that no one will be turned away due to funds.

The & Co. Vision: Empowering Community & Excellence

The "& Co." in our name represents more than just our core catering services; it signifies our commitment to collaboration, community empowerment, and strategic growth. We envision Ida & Co. as a platform to uplift and support other small, local businesses.

Our vision for growth is rooted in establishing a strong, consistent presence in high-impact environments where our mission can truly shine. We aim to provide exceptional food services for recurring, large-scale events, such as those supporting military families during significant milestones. This approach allows us to:

• Contribute Meaningfully: Directly address the need for quality, affordable food, enhancing the experience for thousands of attendees annually.

• Build a Stable Foundation: Cultivate a steady and predictable revenue stream, providing stability for our family business and enabling future investments.

• Expand Our Expertise & Portfolio: Strategically build our gallery of events and gain invaluable experience with significant, high-volume operations.

• Grow Our Team with Purpose: Create meaningful employment opportunities, with a proud initiative to employ veterans, further embedding values of service and community into our operations.  

• Foster Collaborative Partnerships: Empower and support other small, local businesses by partnering for events, offering services such as formal cake artistry, luxury grazing tables, or photo booth experiences. Ida & Co. will manage these " & Co." aspects, ensuring seamless, high-quality service and creating a ripple effect of positive contribution within the local economy.

We believe in a model similar to the heartfelt engagement seen in other mission-driven companies, where consumers feel they are contributing to a meaningful cause. Our food is excellent, our service is outstanding, and our events are positively memorable, ensuring we are included time and time again.

Strategic Growth & Future Impact: Ida & Co. Cares

This venture is more than just a business; it is my baby, a part of my legacy for my children and grandchildren to carry on. From that wonderful weekend watching Cameron graduate, to immediately filing the paperwork for the corporation, and now making promising progress in securing opportunities to kickstart the rest of my vision.

Through these strategic engagements, we plan to continually invest in and expand our commercial catering business, broadening our reach across Southern California. Our ultimate vision extends to establishing Ida & Co. Cares as a Foundation, further solidifying our commitment to philanthropy and community support for generations to come.

We intend on making Ida & Co. great, profitable, and a wealth stream for me and my family for many generations to come, always leading with God's love and a kind, gentle spirit.