Today we’d like to introduce you to Caroline and Matthew.
Hi Caroline and Matthew, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
We both began our careers in the kitchens of some of the best restaurants and some of the most modest restaurants. Our culinary journeys, though very different, somehow led us to the same kitchen in Palm Springs, CA. At that point, we were both in very different stages of our careers, Matthew had almost over a decade of restaurant experience over Caroline at the time, but we had the same palpable ambition and passion for this industry and our own individual careers. Our journey together took us from Los Angeles to Atlanta where we had intended on opening our very own brick-and-mortar bakery. Throughout the process of trying to open our business, we needed to get temporary jobs in order to keep us afloat. Due to various reasons, whether it be timing or fate, we did not end of opening the bakery, meanwhile, our “temporary” jobs became more and more fulfilling. Caroline began working as a Private Chef for various families around the city, while Matthew eventually went back into the restaurant kitchen, eventually landing as Executive Chef at Donetto in West Midtown.
Of course, next came the year of 2020 where we got married and everything was good until it wasn’t. The world shut down, Donetto closed its doors and Matthew was in limbo awaiting his fate. In this time, Caroline’s private chef business had been growing exponentially, the timing in some weird twist of the world could not have been better. Matthew jumped on in where we grouped/re-branded as Chefs C+M, back in the kitchen together again. Since then, we have been putting on events all over the city, enjoying the creative process of growing and running a business outside of the kitchen, all the while evolving and growing in the kitchen, pushing each other to keep growing into the best Chefs and business owners, all the while keeping true to the companies core values. Our business has grown from meal deliveries and small two-person parties to private tasting menu dinners for over 25+ people, we are adaptable and love being a part in creating memories over the dinner table. Our goal is still to open up a brick-and-mortar, and are working towards that goal.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Growing a business in the midst of a pandemic no less is never easy. All of the challenges and mishaps which occurred made us wiser as business owners, teaching the importance of protecting oneself and knowing your worth. It is never easy to work for yourself, but learning to advocate for our talent has been invaluable.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Chefs C+M specializes in curated tasting menus, bringing restaurant quality experience to your home or event space. Combing our experiences in restaurants from around the US, bringing seasonal, fresh, and exciting menus for everyone. We are a private chef business run and operated by a husband and wife team. Our unique personalities allow us to engage throughout the process, creating a unique one of a kind experience for you and your guests. Whether it be a tasting menu or a more casual event, everything is custom to you and your needs!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Get a good accountant, especially for tax season. It is not easy navigating all the unknowns of starting a business, reaching out to other small businesses, make connections within your community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chefscandm.com
- Instagram: @ChefsCandM
- Facebook: Atlanta Personal Chefs C and M
- Yelp: Chefs C+M
Image Credits
Andrew Thomas Lee
