Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio Phillips. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Chef Antonio Phillips professionally known as Chef Phill discovered his passion for Culinary Arts after having a successful career in the United States Army and the US Postal Service. Interested in cooking and impressed with his father’s well-established career in restaurant management, he was right at home while studying Culinary Arts at the Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts.
Throughout his culinary career, Chef Phill has trained and worked alongside some of Atlanta’s most renowned chefs. Since his humble beginnings of selling plates out of his home- dubbed Friday Meals with Chef Phill; he’s had the pleasure of providing services for many celebrities.
Chef Phill was seen cooking for the Braxton family and Iyanla Vanzant on WeTV’s hit show the Braxton Family Values (2018). In addition, his culinary skills were featured in “Keys To The City,” a film starring Isaiah Washington, Steven Bishop, Felicia Cooper, and Angelina Cortez that aired on the BET Network (2018). He has recently filmed Ladies Who List: Atlanta as he prepared brunch for real estate mogul Quiana Watson (2022).
When he is not in the kitchen working on new dishes, you can usually catch him mixing up his wildly popular Special Blend All-Purpose Seasoning. Since its inception, his Special Blend All-Purpose Seasoning was showcased at Bloomingdale’s in Lenox Mall for a tasting.
Chef Phill was a featured chef at the Cooking with Funchess Charity Drive, hosted by NFL player Devin Funchess. Inspired by his participation in this fundraiser, Chef Phill began partnering with other organizations to raise money and awareness through his private cooking classes fundraisers. He has worked with several non-profits, law enforcement, HBCU alumni, and greek organizations on fundraisers to benefit their local communities.
Chef Phill takes pride in mentoring new chefs and encouraging those interested in culinary arts to pursue their passion.
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?
Has it been a smooth road for me to become a private chef? NO! When you’re beginning to start anything, you know, you have to try to get your name out there, market yourself, and meet people. Pretty much in the beginning trying to gain name recognition was rough. I started out selling meals on the weekends while working my full-time job, doing meal preps, and attempting to get consistent customers. It was crazy! Thank God I have come a long way from doing meals on weekends and meal preps. Now I hardly find time to sell meals or prepare meal preps for clients.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a private chef. I specialize in curating memorable dining experiences for my clients. I received formal training in French cuisine, but I can prepare anything from soul food to french cuisine. In addition, I am most known for and love to cook seafood.
I am most proud of how far I have come in the culinary industry. Never in a million years would I have thought that this is where I would be in life right now! Like many other kids growing up, the only thing on my mind was playing basketball. I had hoop dreams. But to see where I am right now is just mind-blowing for me. The people I have met because of my culinary skills and what I have done (I never thought I’d be doing) are amazing! I thank God every day for this gift that he has given me and the people he has placed in my life.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking is a major when you are a business owner. First, you have to get out and meet new people. You never know who you will meet or who they may know. In the beginning, I did a lot of networking events (events to get my name out there). But the most important thing is to be consistent and do the best you know-how in everything you are doing. That is what will bring attention to you and your brand.
Contact Info:
- Email: contact@chefphill.com
- Website: www.chefphill.com
- Instagram: @chefphillatl
- Facebook: @chefphillatl
Image Credits:
All food image rights belong to Chef Phill. For the images of Chef Phill please give image credit to Macula Vision Media, LLC
