You may not find “Humble Beginnings” or “soul-searing passion” in the nutrition facts of any label – on any product – in all the world; but at 1540 E Wadsworth Avenue in Philadelphia, it’s been a key ingredient. June 26, 2026 will make 30 years of business for David Simms. Originally a New York native, David realized at the age of twenty, that nothing brought people together quite like great food and drink. With compliments from family, local community members as his first clients and his aspirations as his only sense of security, Eatible Delights Catering (EDC) was born.
Self-typified as “Classic American Cuisine”, there isn’t a limitation large enough to house David’s creativity. He sees food as an artform – a boundless bridge that brings joy and warmth to his clients. He guards the bridge; he travels it often; he honors it daily: ”When I’m creating food, I’m giving people a piece of myself. I want to give people an experience that they won’t forget.”
By and large, the “American” delineation is just a descriptor of where David was born and where he’s been working; he is no stranger to delivering French, Italian or Far East fixings in traditional style. The list of options could continue but broadly, this is where the “cuisine” designation really comes to life. On any given day, the Eatible Delights commissary is teeming with a range of aromas – a product of recipes curated meticulously by David and his team of chefs. The front office chirps around the clock; loyal clients call often for their favorite traditional Soul Food staples.
David pairs flavors like a seamstress would colors, intuitively but strategically. Sweet, sour, tangy or acrid, if EDC is behind the recipe, the flavors are sure to be crackin’!
With the kitchen as his conduit, David’s passion is in fact palpable. He fully comprehends the power of food. How savory flavors can comfort those in mourning – how smells and textures etch themselves indelibly in our minds. He knows that the final piece in any great hallmark is a delicious meal to seal the memory. In a time where cutting corners has become the norm, Mr. Simms leads with purpose. Have a special request? David will take the meeting himself to discuss vision, dietary restrictions and the like. He works tirelessly to bring his customers’ visions to life.
After the chopping, cutting, searing, sizzling, basting, braising and baking are done, the catering begins. Quality linens, robust bouquets and beautiful chafers coalesce for themes straight from the hearts of his clients, through the highways of David’s imagination and out into the world. The EDC catering staff can be described as warm, enthusiastic, professional and like the food they serve, well seasoned. People from all walks of life make up his team and they all share a particular fondness for the founder of Eatible Delights Catering. Among them, they have scores of heartfelt stories about David’s sacrifice and his humor. He treats his employees like family; in turn, they perpetuate that culture. By the time the food is plated and the client is seated, the loop of vision, execution and service is complete.
It would be fairly easy and perhaps understandable for a man of such commitment to be competitively recluse but on the contrary, David is a proponent of a very inclusive philosophy:
“There are at least 8 slices to a pie and I can’t eat them all.” Its very important in life to invite people to the table. My goal is to share the pie – whether its ideas, systems or inspiration. I want to add to others and have them contribute to me. When we share the pie, we spread winning and happiness.”
David draws inspiration from all over the catering universe. Television personalities like Martha Stewart have been a muse of David’s. In Philadelphia, his orbit consists of local legends like Benjamin and Robert Bynum, who have poured into David unceasingly, the late great Keven Parker and Delilah Winder of Delilah’s Southern Cuisine. David continues to honor their legacy by pouring into others. He sends business to other caterers; he’ll call owners of other flourishing companies to lead within his team for special events. It should come as no surprise that a number of chefs have graduated from his commissary to their own catering companies.
“Mentorship continues to help you grow as you teach. If you don’t pay it forward, your craft dies… Prayerfully, I’ve been able to impact others by letting them know to continue to dream, to pursue their goals and to take risks. Jump in the big ocean even though you’re only a gold fish. Learn to swim, then become a shark.”
The ambitions of Eatible Delights Catering continue to expand. On July 4th, 2025, EDC dazzled the Philadelphia Parkway with a private party at the foot of the Wawa Welcome America performance stage. This year, his team is poised to complete events across the United States. Presently David wishes to continue his mission by being a lighthouse for other caterers and business owners to make their contributions to the initiatives set in motion by Philadelphia’s 100 Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. David wholeheartedly buys into the vision of making Philadelphia a safer, cleaner, greener Philadelphia with economic access to all. In closing I would like to say I love Philadelphia, because we are 1 city, a UNITED CITY….
