Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrel Wright.
Hi Darrel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started this ice cream venture at Bentwater Golf Club with ClubCorp, it was my first Executive Chef position and I wanted to put a dessert on the menu. For some reason, I kept thinking about ice cream so I ordered an ice cream machine, once I made that first batch, I fell in love with making it. The members loved it and I couldn’t make it fast enough. As I moved to different clubs and made ice I received the same reaction, I’ve had so many members over the years tell me that I should open my own ice cream parlor but I didn’t pay any attention to what they were saying because to me it was just a part of my job that I loved but as time went by I wanted to start a business of my own but didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. It wasn’t until a friend of mine from out of town visited me and convinced me that making ice cream was the only thing that I really enjoyed doing, so after thinking about what he said, I started taking it seriously. I came up with a name and started the process from there.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes and no. I say that because I’m still going through the growing process. I have a great product and everyone who tastes my ice cream loves it but I don’t have the capital to expand and take this business to the next level, so I’m going through the struggle right now but I love what I’m doing and I know that one day the hard work will pay off.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Southern Delight is different because it’s more than just ice cream or making money to me. I put everything I have into making the best ice cream that I possibly can. I use only freshest ingredients from local Georgia Farms which gives the ice cream a creamier, lighter consistency and a richer, better taste. I drive an hour or so depending on traffic to get the ingredients. The milk and heavy cream that I use are outstanding… I’ve learned that when you find something you love, it will open your mind and have you doing things you never thought you would. In the past, I’ve hated baking but I personally bake all the pies, cheesecakes or whatever I need and love doing it. One of the things I love most is seeing the reaction of someone when they take that first bite of Southern Delight…
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In the years to come, I see my Brand as a worldwide household name with ice cream parlors and Southern Delight in grocery stores. I just competed in Dessert Wars which is the biggest dessert competition in America and placed 3rd for people’s choice which was big for me. I had so many people come back to my booth 4 and 5 times to get ice cream. Everyone asked where I was located and wanted to know how they could get more. That made me realize that I was on the right path.
Contact Info:
- Email: Southerndelightfoods@yahoo.com
- Website: www.southerndelightfoods.com
- Instagram: Southern_delight_ice_cream
