Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Baxter.
Hi Brandi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I wasn’t exposed to cooking growing up, but as a young adult, I discovered a deep love for food and entertaining. After college, I built a career in social services, where I worked for 13 years helping others and supporting families in need. It was rewarding work, but in my spare time, I found joy in the kitchen — cooking for friends, hosting gatherings, and experimenting with flavors.
Over time, friends who had enjoyed my meals started asking me to cater their events. What began as a few small favors quickly grew into something much bigger. Before long, I was preparing lunches for local factories and delivering family-style meals around the community.
As the demand grew, I realized I was at a crossroads — I could continue in my established career, or I could take a leap of faith and pursue what truly made me happy. With the support of my incredibly loving husband and children, I decided to follow my dream. I cashed out my retirement and opened my own restaurant.
Today, that dream has become a thriving business. My grown children work alongside me in the restaurant, and I truly couldn’t do it without them. What started as a side passion has become a family effort — built on love, hard work, and the simple joy of feeding people. I’ve always believed that food has the power to bring people together, and every meal we serve is a little reminder of that.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wasn’t raised by a wealthy family, and I didn’t have inheritance or financial backing to fall back on. Everything I’ve built has come from faith, hard work, and the love and support of my community. Before opening Southern Sage, I spent two years building my customer base, cooking from home, and delivering meals while still working full-time. It was exhausting at times, but I knew I was working toward something bigger.
Southern Sage has only been open for six months, and I’m still very much in the building phase — learning, growing, and finding my rhythm. There have been challenges every step of the way, from long hours and limited resources to figuring out how to make everything run smoothly. But through it all, my community, my husband, and my children have been my biggest source of strength and encouragement.
I may not come from money, but I come from determination, grit, and faith — and that’s been more valuable than anything else in helping me build this dream.
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?
Southern Sage is a made-from-scratch restaurant and catering business that brings creativity, community, and heart to every meal. We specialize in fresh, handmade dishes that are both approachable and unique — from flavorful entrees to baked breads, pastries, and sauces made entirely from scratch. Our menu rotates regularly, allowing us to offer something for everyone while keeping our offerings creative and inspired.
We’re known for delivering meals that feel personal and comforting, whether it’s a daily lunch delivery, a family-style dinner, or a catered event. What sets Southern Sage apart is our commitment to quality, authenticity, and affordability. Every dish is prepared with care and love, reflecting the values of the community we serve.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we’ve built Southern Sage from the ground up — without inheritance or outside funding — relying instead on faith, hard work, and the unwavering support of family, friends, and our customers. I want readers to know that choosing Southern Sage isn’t just about a meal; it’s about supporting a small business built on passion, creativity, and the joy of feeding people.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe that meaningful growth almost always involves some level of risk. For me, the biggest risk was leaving a stable career in social services to pursue my passion for cooking and open Southern Sage. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly. I cashed out my retirement and invested everything I had into a business with no guarantee of success.
I see risk as a balance between careful planning and trusting your instincts. In my case, the risk was tempered by years of preparation: building a catering clientele, delivering meals, and learning the ins and outs of running a food business before ever opening the restaurant. Even so, the leap to Southern Sage was a step into the unknown, and it required faith, courage, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.
I don’t view risk as reckless, I see it as an opportunity. Without taking that leap, I wouldn’t be feeding my community, growing my family’s involvement in the business, or realizing the dream that motivates me every day. Risk, when approached with purpose and preparation, can be the catalyst for incredible growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Southern-Sage.com
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/SouthernSageKitchen
