Hi, I’m Heidi

More than three decades ago, I began my career in film production, eventually becoming a production coordinator and producer for television commercials, industrial films, and feature films. Before that, I did a little bit of everything — assisting food stylists, prop stylists, wardrobe, casting, and working as a production assistant and in craft services. It was the best possible way to learn what makes a production run smoothly.

Then life took a detour.

While working in the industry, I started catering on the side and quickly realized there was a need for another caterer serving both film productions and backstage concert hospitality in Chicago. So, in 1994, I founded Big Delicious Planet, thinking it might become a small business alongside my production career. Instead, it grew into an incredible 31-year adventure.

Over the years, I've worn a lot of hats — as a professional cook, entrepreneur, event designer, creative director, mentor, and sustainability leader — but I never stopped doing what I love most: creating inviting spaces, memorable experiences, and food that makes your mouth water.

As Founder and Culinary Director of Big Delicious Planet, I shaped the creative vision for our food, hospitality, three lot urban farm, guest experience, and company culture. I cooked alongside an incredible team while leading the business, creating meals for film crews, backstage concert tours, weddings, corporate events, and thousands of guests. I had the privilege of cooking for the world’s most well known people and brands, including Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Sting, Adele, Prince, the Grateful Dead, and many more.

I've always believed every detail matters — from the ingredients on the plate to the way a table is set, the flow of an event, and how people feel the moment they walk through the door.

Starting my career in film production taught me to see the whole picture. Building Big Delicious Planet taught me how to bring every detail to life. I carried that production mindset into everything we did, from designing menus and plating dishes to styling buffets, creating memorable event spaces, and producing experiences that felt natural, welcoming, and visually compelling.

Sustainability became another passion over the years. I built and operated a three-lot urban farm in Chicago, growing thousands of pounds of produce each year for our kitchen and events. Our commitment to thoughtful sourcing and environmental stewardship earned us the nation's highest green certification for 13 consecutive years. In 2025, I completed Stanford's Sustainable Business Strategy program because I wanted to deepen my understanding of how businesses can create lasting positive impact.

At the end of 2025, after an incredible 31-year journey building Big Delicious Planet, a lot of soul searching (and yoga teacher training), I made the difficult decision to close the company. Even after three decades of owning my own company and working in food, I always missed the industry where my career began — working in production.

Today, I've come full circle, bringing together my background in production, culinary leadership, hospitality, and visual storytelling through food, prop, and set styling for photography and film.

I'm excited to return. I look forward to collaborating with photographers, producers, agencies, and brands to create beautiful, authentic, and memorable work.

Have a project in mind? I'd love to hear from you.

— Heidi Moorman Coudal