Gourmet Deli on the Square was acquired by the husband and wife team of Mark Garofalo and Stephanie Schechter in 2003. Although neither are Providence natives, they had moved here and fallen in love with the small city's charms and fabulously diverse neighborhoods. Looking for a vibrant place to open their first café, they decided on Wayland Square for its fun boutiques, old style brick architecture and village like atmosphere. As they grew their business, they found overwhelming success with catering and closed their café in 2006. Now equipped with an extensive catering facility, they focus exclusively on providing quality service to their valued catering clients.

Originally from just south of Boston, Mark first came to Providence in September of 1991 to attend Johnson & Wales University. After graduation, he began his culinary journey working on Nantucket, Washington D.C. and Boston and its suburbs. Finally moving to Providence in 1997, he found a home at Davio's Restaurant in the Biltmore Hotel where he worked his way up the kitchen ladder. After working under several world class chefs he was handed the reigns and earned 3 stars in his debut Rhode Island Monthly review. After accomplishing all he set out to, Mark moved his skills and continued his education working at The White Horse Tavern, Newport's premier dining spot. The Gatehouse Restaurant and Catering Company lured him back to Providence with the offer of Executive Chef of the esteemed catering side of the company. Eventually he was overseeing both catering and restaurant kitchens until it was sold in May of 2002.

Wanting a break from long hours and endless weekends, Mark decided to mix his passion for teaching with his culinary passion and accepted the position of Culinary Director of the Met School, a public charter high school. Here, he developed with a team of student interns, the school lunch program and a fully functioning catering company.

Throughout his career, Mark has participated in several James Beard dinners, cooked for two United States Presidents, participated in numerous charity fundraising dinners, and devoted untold hours to teaching and learning. His wife Stephanie graduated from the revered Rhode Island School of Design and is a successful artist in several media and is an accomplished designer. They are proud to own Gourmet Deli on the Square and provide their clients with exceptional food and service.