We had the good fortune of connecting with Chef V and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chef V, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process was like walking in traffic with a blindfold on. I didn’t know what to expect. I thought I would be flooded everyday with business but I quickly learned that everyday won’t be peaches and cream. There are so many risk factors that come with starting a business. You have to build clientele, have menu items that are worth customers coming back for more, there has to be something unique about your business to draw customers to you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an Executive Chef who started with just a dream that turned into a restaurant, that later I was able to add a food truck. I am where I am today with the help of acquiring a job as an Executive Chef at a hospital. Being a Chef at a hospital may sound a little “bland “ but it’s more to it than it seems. I learned a lot of things that I did not learn in culinary school. These things I have kept dear to me and they have allowed me to productive in the culinary world. Understanding a diabetic , renal , GI soft diet is very important when customers have health concerns. The hospital helped me better understand individuals diets. So a lot of people feel safe eating from my establishment because they trust me with their diet needs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, I would definitely take them to Memphis which is about 45 minutes from
My hometown. I would take him to cache 42 since you can drink, mingle and hang out in the same setting. This restaurant is owned by the infamous Moneybagg Yo.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank my Pastor, Dwight Sanders and the entire Brownsville community !!! Without his sermons I probably would’ve gave up my restaurant years ago but he teaches us how to use and activate faith. My hometown has been so great at supporting me especially Haywood Company they make up a great percentage of my weekly sales. My community really doesn’t know how much I appreciate the positive feedback from them. It keeps me motivated and uplifting

Website: https://www.otastecaterer.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.