Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Tony Sharpe.
Hi Chef Tony, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a Philadelphia native and Le Cordon Bleu graduate. In my young adult years, I sang and danced all over the world as a part of the international group Up With People and it was during that time of travel I was exposed to different cultures and developed a passion for cooking. I’ve been in the culinary industry for almost 30 years. Throughout my career, I’ve served as an Executive and private chef to professional athletes, musicians, and entertainers.
I have now launched my own restaurant alongside my wife Pamela which is located at 2628 Piedmont Rd in Atlanta Ga called Mad Dad’s Philly’s Authentic Cheesesteaks & Hoagies. It is a shared dream come to life, and a culinary venture born from the collaboration of us both.
Our journey started in the world of restaurant consulting, which led to us developing our own line of condiments called Mad Dad’s Sauces and Seasonings, which serves as the foundation for Mad Dad Philly’s. We are excited about this new adventure and what it will bring. More importantly, we are excited about connecting with the community through food.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Establishing our restaurant posed numerous challenges and struggles, from the demanding task of finding the time to piece everything together to the pursuit of securing capital for the venture. However, the most significant hurdle arose unexpectedly when I contracted COVID-19. This led to a two-month hospitalization and an arduous journey of recovery, during which I had to learn how to walk and talk again. The experience profoundly impacted both me and my wife. Emerging from the coma, I realized the fragility of life and the urgency to pursue my dream of becoming a restaurant owner. This wake-up call underscored the importance of seizing the moment, and I was grateful for the unwavering support of my wife, friends, and family, which played a pivotal role in overcoming this formidable challenge.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
With nearly three decades in the restaurant industry, my expertise spans the art of cooking and preparing a diverse array of dishes. However, my true specialization lies in understanding and meeting the unique needs of my clients. As a personal chef, satisfaction is my paramount goal. The passion I hold for cooking is channeled into Mad Dad’s Philly’s Authentic Cheesesteaks and Hoagies, where our focus is precisely on authentic cheesesteaks. Hailing from Philly, I’ve savored my fair share of steaks, lending an authentic touch to our offerings. Rather than emphasizing differences, I believe in the common thread that unites us— the shared desire to bring joy through food. At Mad Dad’s, our mission is simple: making people happy with our authentic cheesesteaks.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
In my career, I’ve found immense value in seeking inspiration from those who excel in my field. I make it a point to study their work, absorbing everything I can about my industry. My mantra is to become obsessed with my craft. By focusing intently and immersing myself, I’ve seen that the right teachers and mentors appear when the student is ready.
For me, success has been magnetically drawn to my insatiable hunger for the industry. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside remarkable individuals, including the late White House Executive Chef Walter Scheib and the esteemed Certified Master Chef Kevin Walter. Now, having experienced firsthand the profound impact of having mentors, I’ve embraced the role of mentorship myself. It’s a way for me to contribute to the industry and make a lasting difference in someone else’s journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.maddadsphillys.com and www.cheftonysharpe.com
- Instagram: maddadsphillys
