Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Bryant.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been cooking since I was in the 3rd grade. Coming to Valdosta, GA every summer to visit my grandparents, I would go to work with my grandfather at the Sheriff’s Boys Ranch in Hahira. He was the kitchen manager and my lessons started there. From an early age, I fell in love with food and the art of cooking. This love turned into constantly watching Food Network, learning from the many chefs about different foods and different cultures. Watching Food Network turned into experimentation. From creating my own overly seasoned recipes as a child to picking up culinary classes in grade school, I knew that eventually I would want to be in the food business and potentially own a restaurant. Flash forward to November 14th, 2019, after many major changes and figuring out what I wanted to do with my life, I finally decided to take a chance on myself and launch my brand. JB’s Kitchen originally started as just plate sales for Valdosta State University during my last semester in undergrad. While I knew I could be successful, I truly did not expect to take off like I did and be where I am today. I’m truly grateful and just excited for the journey ahead!
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?
Absolutely not! But at the same time, I knew it wouldn’t be easy nor would I have wanted it to be. If it were easy, everybody could do it. Cooking comes with a lot of trial and error. Perfecting my recipes in order to ensure my clients have a great product is something I pride myself on the most. I’m kind of a perfectionist so when you’re first starting out, it does weigh on the mental a little bit but you also have to fail sometimes in order to succeed later and that’s a lesson I had to really learn. Outside of my own personal battles, JB’s Kitchen did take a hit around the time the Covid-19 Pandemic began. I was only really four months in before having to shut down everything. I was kind of scared that I wouldn’t be able to bounce back that people would forget about me but it was the exact opposite. I had clients waiting to have my food again and that’s truly what let me know I was in the right profession and that I offered a product that keeps people coming. No matter how many times I may doubt myself, I always find a reason to keep going. Don’t mistake my doubt for a lack of confidence though. I promise I 100% feel like I’m more than capable of doing anything I set my mind to, I just might have to give myself a little pep talk first every now and again. Despite the tough road to get where I want to be, I’ll always feel that I’m built for this journey.
We’ve been impressed with JB’s Kitchen & Catering, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
So JB’s Kitchen & Catering originally started as a pre-order plate sale company in Valdosta, GA. Since then, I have expanded to all event catering from brunches, private dinner for two and all other special events. As far as specialization, I wouldn’t say I specialize in any cooking culture. I dabble in soul food, tex-mex, seafood primarily. Ultimately my menus are custom to not limit myself in what I can do in the kitchen because I know of the skill I possess. I want to be able to eventually create whatever my Client asks of me so I continually practice my craft either by myself or with my mentors so that I can one day truly say that I am the best. What sets me apart from others is my attention to detail and my belief in the art of cooking. I’m not one to just give you a plate, I aim to give you an experience. I truly believe that the little things matter, how you prepare the food, paying attention to exactly what and how you’re cooking, and the presentation of the plate.
I’m also impressionable and I feel that sets me apart. I truly want to get to know my clients that I cook for. I want to engage with them and allow them into my world so they feel truly comfortable with what is going on. At the end of any event, I want my clients to feel more than satisfied with the result and also be thinking of who they can refer me to. I aim to leave a mark at all of my events through small actions and I feel that is what keeps me in contention with other more experienced chefs. Brand-wise, I’m proud of the growth. Like I said earlier, I truly didn’t envision JB’s Kitchen being as big as it is now. Originally this was going to be a side hustle while I worked in the school system. Once I saw how big I could be, I fully decided to chase my dream and turn this into my main hustle. JB’s Kitchen by far is my baby and my greatest investment. From the equipment to the marketing to even my website, I truly feel that I am handling everything as best as I could successfully and I know some couldn’t handle this workload.
I also primarily do everything by myself so the long days and long nights are always worth it when the results are what they are. What I want readers to know about my brand is that by selecting or considering me for any event, you’re getting an individual that truly loves what he does. The money is cool, but I do this for the love of food. Food is just something that is so beautiful and versatile that it really brings about a happiness that I won’t even know I have until it shows. Your satisfaction is my mission and even if you don’t want to book me a second time, I just want to be remembered in the best way possible. When you’re booking the JB’s Kitchen experience, you’re getting my literal all. All my effort, all my time, and all my gratitude. You’ll see the work of course, but you’ll also feel the determination and the vision that I’ve set for myself off of watching me work. All I ask for is an opportunity to change your life and I’ll handle the rest from there.
How do you define success?
Success is what you want it to be. For me, any recognition I get as far as inquiry, feedback on some food I post, learning new recipes and even having a conversation that leads to me handing off a business card. Success is finding pleasure in the little things that make you who you are and your business what it is. If you’re only looking for the big things, you’re missing the true value of why you’re in the game to begin with. Success is creating the stepping stones that build the legacy you aim to create. Focusing on the bigger picture is cool, but how you got there and what built you up to that point is where the real win is. Effort is all it takes.
Contact Info:
- Email: jbs.kitchen19@gmail.com
- Website: http://jbskc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbs.kitchen_/
