Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Hightower
Hi Justin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born a foodie and grew up around the dinner table in Columbus, Georgia. I gained a love and passion for food from my Louisiana-born Mother and my big sister’s innovation and exploration of new cuisine. Being groomed in a household of entrepreneurs, I have always had my eye on ownership. I attended Georgia Southern University, majoring in Business, where I soon advanced my education at the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. After School I worked a few high end kitchen and catering jobs. J Paul’s catering was created during the pandemic and grew when we relocated back to Atlanta from Charleston SC. We grew our business and gained recognition by being a preferred vendor of the New Black Wallstreet, and Pink Lion Jazz Club. Three years later,, we are still growing and advancing our footprint across Atlanta and surrounding areas by specializing in catering corporate and personal events. We’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to share our love of food during clients most special moments by providing them an experience that adds to that special moment.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m not sure if the road is ever smooth when running a business especially. after the pandemic, but I have been fortunate enough to have support to navigate the hurdles. My road has been like 285 — bumpy, traffic, confusion and construction, but it has also been free flowing and smooth. As the bumps come we just make sure to be prepared the best we can.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
J Paul’s is an offsite catering company based in Fairburn Ga. We specialize in Southern/Cajun/American cuisine. My favorite question I get is what do I cook, my response is “I cater to your taste and wants… I’m a caterer!” We service the Atlanta and surrounding cites. Our events are personal, such as birthdays, retirement parties, graduations, baby showers we also do corporate events for clients such as New Black Wallstreet Market, Gwinnett County DFCS, Wells Fargo and many more. We have done supper club for the Pink Lion and annual brunch for the 100 Black Women Chapter. We are know for many of our dishes, some being our Salted Caramel Banana Pudding, Tuscan Salmon, Braised Beef Short Ribs, our famous Seafood Mac and Cheese, as well as our “Liquid Gold” house punch.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me is conquering that fear/doubt. Taking that step of faith towards your goal or dream, even if you’re uncertain what’s next, making sure you push forward toward what it is you want. Even if it doesn’t work out as planned, that first step, that progressive motion is the hardest and that to me is success. Just getting started is a suces.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.chefjpauls.com
- Other: Info@hightowergourmet.com
