Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dave Chandler, Founder of CHEF DAVE STL, located in Saint Louis, MO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a Private Chef/Caterer.. I seek to provide great quality comfort food and excellent service to local individuals, families, and businesses. My business connects with the community by providing top-quality food to those that wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to experience it. I also help support local farmers, bakers, and food companies to help enhance my services. I aim to provide the most memorable experience that satisfies the stomach and pocket!
Tell us about yourself
I’m a self-taught Chef, born and raised in STL. I’ve loved cooking ever since I was young. It’s always been a hobby and a special talent! With the help and motivation from family and friends, I started up my Private Chef Service about five years ago. I started off selling and delivering different prepared meals locally every Sunday. Switching up the menu weekly, I was able to be creative, perfect my craft, as well as challenge myself. Quality and consistency are some things I’ve always valued. My following grew majorly through word of mouth as well as social media. Eventually, people wanted more food… from personal pans to party pans! I am constantly motivated by my passion for the craft, my desire to challenge myself, and empty stomach!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is by far my journey in getting to this point. My dedication, quality, and consistency are something I am critical about because it has helped me provide an overall better experience.
Some of my great accomplishments include:
- Providing a Brunch for Larry Hughes and the local high school C.B.C after a Championship win!
- Catering a Baby Shower for a client and the following year providing the Baby’s 1st Birthday Party.
- Traveling to Dallas to serve a Private Birthday Dinner family of 20!
- An interview with an online magazine company named VoyageSTL.
- An interview with a popular streaming radio station, Streetz105.1 - The Kenny Mo Show.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The road has been long and curvy. But smooth nonetheless. Being an entrepreneur, you wear so many different hats, which can make things overwhelming when you want to focus on your craft. In addition to stepping out of my social comfort zone are a few things that are challenging.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- START! Always believe in yourself!! Have the courage and faith to start pursuing your dream.
- RUN! Always put your head down and work!! Being willing to work towards your goals really does pay off. Let your work speak for you.
- GROW! Always be consistent!! Water your business and customers with consistent products/production, and it will be your foundation.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.chefdavestl.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChefDaveSTL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefdave_stl/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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