Meet Chef Leonard Doz’ia of Doz’ia Catering in Gwinnett and Riverdale

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Leonard Doz’ia.

Chef Leonard, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in New York but raised in Portsmouth, Va. I have called Atlanta home for the last 30 years and in that time I have forged a relationship with the city, its people, and lifestyle! I was an only child raised by my mother in the Tidewater area of Virginia where life was hard but fair! My life today is a direct result of the challenges, hurdles, and lessons learned on the streets of Portsmouth, Va. My mother worked 2, sometimes 3 jobs just to get us through the tough times. I was taught early by my mother and grandfather a good work ethic. I excelled early in the business of taking care of myself and my responsibilities. One thing I excelled at early was cooking! My mother worked long hours on several jobs, therefore I learned to cook for myself and her as well! There were many hours when I would watch mother cook an entire meal just for the 2 of us to enjoy and on holidays for the entire family! When I moved to Atlanta in 1986, I began cooking for practical reasons. When everyone was eating out and spending money 3 times a day on meals, I knew I could eat 3 times off of the same money my friends were spending for one meal! I would save money and eat better as well!Those lessons were seared into my mind and I used the knowledge of those memories to create the services we perform today!

Great, 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?
My road has been a difficult one, but I’ve learned that difficult roads lead to beautiful places! My journey, like most who set out on their own, was a struggle! My concept catering company was given birth as a result of the difficult times for which I am now grateful! Cooking was a way to break the monotony of eating the same thing all the time, but as I started my family it became a necessity to learn how to feed my growing family and learn the economics of food as well. There were times when I had to feed 6 people with $10! Those lean times were the foundation for our Culinary Life Skills & Mentorship Program we will release this year. Our mission is to develop a dedicated team of culinary professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners and educators that will set an agenda for local youth and community members to develop basic kitchen skills, food economics, as well as survival and Life skills through the culinary arts.

Food is the Essence of Life! The program is for, but not limited to local youth, community individuals and businesses interested learning and growing through this format!

Doz’ia Catering – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Doz’ia Catering is a full-service catering company specializing in fresh cuisine delivered with elegance, style, and efficiency! We exceed expectations with our delivery, ofexecution, and attention to details! Doz’ia’s “Exposed Kitchen Concepts” offer a culinary experience with precision and flare! I take pride in the fact that the techniques and lessons I’ve learned out of necessity, were the foundation for the success our company currently stands on! I’m also the part owner and executive chef of Eventful Memories in Riverdale, Ga. were we specialize in intimate settings for small to medium sized events!

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I was fortunate to be featured on the Food Network show Cooks vs. Cons scheduled to air this February to kick off season 3 of the program! It was a great experience and I look forward to more opportunities in television!

I’ve also had the honor of serving the who’s who of A-list celebrities in Atlanta and in other cities which have increased our demand in other markets across the country for our customized services! Our clients’ trust and confidence in our company speak volumes for the services we provide!

Contact Info:

• Address: 517 Hwy 138 Riverdale, Ga. 30274
• Website: www.doziacatering.com
• Phone: 4046102359
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/chefdozia
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/DoziaCatering
• Twitter: twitter.com/DoziaCatering
• Yelp: yelp/Doziacatering
• Other: www.facebook.com/ChefDozia

Image Credit:
Doz’ia Media Group