Today we’d like to introduce you to Maurice Robinson.
Hi Maurice, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a passion for cooking since I was young. Unlike most kids that would watch cartoons on Saturday morning, I would watch the food network and beg my mom to help me cook what I saw on TV. That fascination turned into sitting in the kitchen with my mom while she cooked to taking over the family meal once a week as a child. As I got older, the responsibility of the “Man on the grill” for every and all family cookouts fell on my shoulders. There I really found the love of BBQ and Grilling and began to study the art of Smoking. That led to me buy the first of many smokers and began smoking for friends and family. Everyone loved it and I was told countless times that this the best BBQ they’ve ever had. That boosted my confidence so much that I wanted to turn my passion into a profession. So here I am four more smokers and two years later cooking the food, I love to put smiles on people faces.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Absolutely not, Growing the customer base has been challenging. In the food industry, you have your loyal customers but you’re always trying to reach new people and getting more customers. So word of mouth promoting, creating a larger social media presence and following, and exposure is key. Hopefully the VoyageATL readers enjoy BBQ!!
We’ve been impressed with I Got the Smoke Catering LLC, 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?
I am Maurice Robinson, owner of I Got the Smoke Catering, An Atlanta based small event caterer where I specialize in BBQ and southern cuisine, where my signature sweet potato cheesecake is a must try. I love to cook, but more than that, I love to see the smiles and reaction on the faces of the people who eat my food. I believe what sets my food apart from everybody else is that I cook and prepare my food with love and I prepare it as if I was serving my family. Family is extremely important to the I Got The Smoke brand because it’s a family affair. My wife helps me with social media marketing and at any event, you will see her by my side.
My hope is that the VoyageATL readers enjoy my story and follow me on this journey. Not only do I provide catering, but I also do pop-up shops, events, plate sales, etc.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Definitely would have to say Thanksgiving Dinners. Growing up the epitome of cooking would be for Thanksgiving dinner, my mom would be in the kitchen for two days straight prepping and cooking. You could always count on the old school R&B and soul music playing as we were smelling all of the food and anticipating the dinner the next day.
Contact Info:
- Email: igotthesmoke_catering@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @igotthesmoke_catering
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/igotthesmokecatering
Image Credits
Sequoya Robinson: Photography by SLR
