Used to run restaurants in NYC, I can't believe w/your background you can't get some work in the local Hotels or Banquet houses...
I used to run Banquet services for the Sheratons, and I would've hired you in a heartbeat for front or back of the house..??
Have you tries all those?
I use to also run two of the biggest contingency and retainer based Search Firms in the N.E (strictly technical). , the only thing I can recommend is what I used to call Concentric Circles (for people non technical we couldn't help).
Sounds simple but it works, fill the car w/gas, draw a circle 10, 15, 20 miles around the house (depending on how suburban or rural you reside) and literally stop at virtually every company w/in that circle w/resume in hand w/a solid cover letter explaining your situation and how you're prepared to 'do anything' rather than just waitign for something to happen...tell your story. Employers love that!
(start close, I've seen people drive an hour to work, past a company that would hire them for less/same $s that they could easily make up in personal travel time, gas, etc)
Be prepared to 'push' your way into dropping your paper off to the Owner, IR or Personnel person, Sales and CS (always on the look out for people persons willing to deal w/the public) and make your pitch.
ie. "Can I drop this off and at least introduce myself?'
at the very least get his/her name- ie 'the Boss', and follow it up w/a call.
'Did you get an opportunity to see my paperwork, etc..??'
(actually, you should do a follow up once a week w/all the paper work you drop off)
Makes sure the receptionist didn't dump it.
Sure you're gonna have the door slammed in your face aplenty BUT the networking is great, shows the potential employer you're a hustler, may open a possibility for sales..
ie foods or liquor business, or possibly a purchasing agent/buyer in a food related industry, hospital, schools (public and private) or even Meals on Wheels might use you?
Don't exclude anyone, that huge IT or Insurance company might have a cafeteria or just need a good asst facilities mgr?
Next round go 20-25 miles out and so on, if you're willing to come to this forum you're definitely willing to knock on a bunch of doors.
When you're out of work you're new job is now to find another one, and you've got to prepare day/week like you did in you're weekly schedule for the catering business.
Go out early...Every Day, don't give up after a few days of rejection...
remember ask for biz cards, and ask for referrals for anyone you talk to!
Lastly this sounds sort of wild but this may be a perfect time to apply to all those jobs or companies that you've always dreamed about, you can just never tell.
Make sure you stress all the positive points in your presentation of how much more you've got to push for business when you run your own company and how good an employee you'd make by virtue of that drive, follow thru, etc (incorporate that in your strong cover letter)!
BTW, don't be afraid to talk to anyone about any kind of job
(even if you think know you don't want it) you can always turn it down later, plus interviewing takes practice just like sports...and don't talk $s till they do, and then just listen to what they say, again you can always turn it down or negotiate later. "I'm open, let's talk more about the job!'
Put yourself in a position to get the offer...then deal.
And don't forget thank you notes for those jobs you really want!!
I know it sounds tough, BUT it works...
believe me, a classmate of mine used it and today she is the Sr VP of Mrkt'ing for ESPN in Bristol Conn.
(just one of many)
If I can help you out any more, site mail me (Nova 71)
GOOD LUCK!!