Meet Dominique Patrick of Chef D’s Catering. LLC in South

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique Patrick.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m the owner of Chef D’s Catering. LLC. I was raised by my mother and grandmother and I’ve enjoyed cooking from a young age because I loved to eat.  Lol. Since I was in middle school, my family has owned an Event Planning and Catering business. This set the stage and played a big part in my success. Growing up, when I wasn’t hanging with my friends, at practice, at my games, or partying I was helping my family with an event. Even my friends frequently helped.

After high school, I went off to college like most kids and received my Associates Degree in Business Management.  I knew the traditional college route wasn’t for me. I began to cook daily, everywhere… for friends, family events, or just at home. The more I cooked, I began to realize I truly had a passion for cooking, and I was a natural.  At this point, I began taking cooking more seriously, while I continued working with my family’s business, and working full-time. Also, during this time (June 2008) my son was born, and this changed my perspective on life. Watching my Mother and Grandmother cook and decorate over the years, I learned hard work, dedication, and great customer service would be the tools I would need to be successful.  I’ve never had any formal training, nor worked under an executive chef, but I have worked in a few restaurants as a line cook throughout this process, where I continued to perfect my skills and the importance of nutrition and safety. 

God opened the door for opportunities to run my own kitchen in a few restaurants, as He continued to perfect my skills. By word of mouth, I began to get clients…personal dinners, family events, weddings, etc. I would cook for anyone, anywhere and anytime. In 2014, a friend told me about an opportunity at a fresh food and meat market, they needed a new face and flare for the business. Working there allowed me to see another side of the food industry regarding handling fresh vegetables, many kinds of salads, and meats that we butchered in house. As head chef, I gained a wealth of knowledge. My creative side was challenged and peaked. I had the freedom to be creative. This partnership ended and I decided to take that leap of faith and finally start Chef D’s Catering, LLC.

Working long days and nights, I gained the strengths, skills /talent, and resources to bring my dream to fruition. I’ve worked hard to perfect my craft and I’m still learning to this day. “If you stop learning you stop growing”

My clientele has grown tremendously since stepping out on faith in 2015.  I have gained corporate accounts, worked with a few celebrities, and cultivated good relationships in different industries. Taking that leap of faith in 2015 has by far been one of the best decisions I could’ve ever made for myself and my family.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it wasn’t a smooth road and still isn’t. Balancing fatherhood and entrepreneurship isn’t easy. There are obstacles that stand in your way, such as people not believing in your work or product, just as much as you do. We all eat with our eyes and that was one of my big struggles especially with me being an Unknown Chef jumping out here in a big market. So, I had to step my game up and pay attention to how I presented myself to clients and the food in which I serve. It was a lot of highs and lows starting off because if I didn’t get any business, we couldn’t eat. I reached out to local and well-known Chefs as I was coming up, but they never responded. That motivated me along with my faith to go even harder for what I was trying to achieve because one day they wouldn’t be able to overlook me.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Chef D’s Catering. LLC – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Chef D’s Catering. LLC was created in July 2015. I specialize in southern cuisine from fine dining to barbecue. There isn’t one thing that I am known for because I do it ALL. My clients love my flavorful food and the experience I provide while giving a great service. I’ve recently began to venture off into other cuisines and tapping into flavors from different cultures to expand my palate. I’m most proud that I’m able to show my son, Josiah and others with a dream, that with hard work, faith and dedication anything can be achieved. My creativity and the ability to tap into non-traditional markets sets me apart from others. This is where Chef D’s Drinks come in (located in restaurants across Atlanta). My drinks allow me to tap into a different market and expand my brand.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My future plan is simple, make “Chef D’s Catering. LLC” a household name!!!

Contact Info:

• Phone: 404-825-1981
• Email: Chef_d_s_catering@yahoo.com
• Instagram: Chef_d_s_catering_
• Facebook: Chef D’s Catering. LLC

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