Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Morrison.
MRD FOODS is not only a fusion of its quality foods, but collaboration of ownership. Owners Chef Chris Morrison and Location Specialist Angie Dean Morrison, are inspired through one another’s personal and business partnership to provide high quality cuisine experiences.
Chef Chris Morrison is a southern native who is trained in classical French Cuisine. His artistry is a fusion of New American, Southern, and French cuisine. As a Le Cordon Bleu alumni, he was nominated for the 2014 Great Awards. He has also been recognized as one of Atlanta Journal & Constitution’s Next Rising Chefs and the former Special Events Chef for Whole Foods Market. With over eighteen years of culinary experience and certified in organics, he caters as a private and special events chef. Chef Chris Morrison is inspired to “live out his culinary passion, one plate at a time” with the exciting concept of MRD FOODS and soon to open MRD FOODS Café.
The café will open later this summer located off Hwy 85 & Chamblee Tucker. We’ll be launching our new concept with chef inspired breakfast, lunch, ready-to-go meals & local products!
Has it been a smooth road?
If my career had been a smooth ride, especially in the culinary field, I would be lying. I believe that hard work, passion, dedication and perseverance is the key to my success. I started working at a very early age of 8 years old, working as a dishwasher in my friends Chinese restaurant. My journey did not necessarily start here, because I can remember working on my grandparents’ farm and cooking meals with my grandmother, for the family and the locals.
As I moved forward in life I was always striving to make extra money to help provide for the family. I found myself gravitating to the restaurant industry again and again, but eventually hating the lifestyle. So, I started my first company at 16 pressure washing homes and business, with the intention to never work in a restaurant again, lol! This did not last long because my heart was not in it. I spent many years returning to what I knew best which was food and management. Exceeding in management rolls, climbing to more of a chef role, I found myself wounded. I had let stress, anxiety and other people control my life. Not allowing myself the time I needed to mold and take care of oneself. I became lost!
Eventually, after struggling and picking myself up over and over again, I was accepted into culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu. Now, I had made it! Or, was I just adding to the pressure I continued to put on myself, to succeed? Absolutely I was! I had so many outside issues that kept me from enjoying school. I was exceeding in school but hurting on the inside. Everything eventually came to a HALT. I lost it! I found myself unhappy, depressed and homeless. My life was unmanageable… I left school, which was the worst and hardest thing I had to face, because I thought I had failed. After time, I pulled myself back up and forced myself to change my life. I went back to school, leaned on my mentors, and graduated at the top of my class. Now, I had gained traction in my life and had a purpose.
I continued my path working through the ups and downs, long nights and struggles to perfect my craft. I did whatever it took to get better and better. But what I forgot to do was take care myself – pushing myself to the limits with no rest and no self-care. I found myself physically sick! Again, I thought I could do it all and self-care was overrated. I was wrong! When I finally figured out what was causing me to continue to fall, lack of self-care, I began to blossom. I had found my passion for cooking, again!
I now own and operate my own catering company and soon to open a new café. I know… more struggles ahead. This time my life is manageable, tho. I’ve learned the tools to help me overcome my struggles, but it took all the heartache to get me here. I’m thankful for all that life has brought me, even the struggles.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with MRD FOODS – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
MRD FOODS is a local, farm-to-table, family owned catering company. We specialize in: Catering (large and small groups), Film production catering, Private Chef dinners, Special events, Weddings, Menu development, and Just about anything you can dish out at us!
Our passion is to serve delicious foods that provide the utmost nutritional and quality ingredients, one plate at a time. “Let’s bring your vision to life!”
I’m proud that our company is built on integrity. Not only does our integrity set us apart from other companies, but the passion to create that WOW experience every time for our customers, goes a long way!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the culture of Atlanta and the growth. I’m a Georgia native, so I’ve experienced the growth of the city and believe it has helped me grow as a business owner. I would not live anywhere else! But I would like to see the traffic change, lol! This is probably everyone’s number one challenge in our city.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3300 Marjan Dr. Atlanta, Ga. 30340
- Address: New location coming soon! Off Hwy 85 and Chamblee Tucker, near Presidential Pkwy.
- Website: www.mrdfoods.com
- Phone: 678.687.5844
- Email: mrdfoods@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mrdfoods
- Twitter: twitter.com/MRDFOODS
