Taking the hassle out of daily food preparation for busy families and others is the aim of Social Suppers, a meal-assembly business that opened this week in Lawrence.

The local franchise is owned by Barclay and Dean Hagen.

Social Suppers lets customers sign up for sessions to prepare ready-to-cook meals.

The dishes are assembled into packaging that can be frozen. Already-assembled meals also can be picked up or delivered.

Reservations to assemble meals can be made online at www.socialsuppers.com by choosing the Lawrence location, or by calling the store at 841-2400. Walk-ins and private parties also are welcome.

Social Suppers is at 3514 Clinton Parkway, Suite I-2, in the former Mr. Gatti’s location.