Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chef Ray Bordelon, Founder of Fruitful Vintage Personal Chef Service, LLC, located in Sevierville, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our business is a personal chef service, and our customers are mainly tourists from all over the U.S. who come to our area for weddings, corporate events, birthdays, anniversaries, and vacations. We provide formal dinners, on-site, in cabin rentals for 8-20 guests, and catered meal delivery for breakfast, lunch, dinner, bbq, snacks, and holiday meals for 15-50+ guests.
Tell us about yourself
I have always loved to serve and help others, so what better way than with food? I first got started in my business after attending a local community college for culinary classes. From there, I worked in some high-end bed and breakfast places, starting my culinary journey. I then joined the United States Personal Chef Association and studied how to start and open a personal chef service. In June of 2006, I opened Fruitful Vintage Personal Chef Service, and 16 years later, the business just keeps growing. Having a personal relationship with Jesus is what truly motivates me every day to get out there and bring a taste of Heaven to earth and shine forth His light to all of my customers.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was building my own catering kitchen on my private property after being in business for 15 years. I just recently built it and finished it in June of 2021. We are now able to offer delivery services for all of our catered meals instead of having to prepare and cook everything on-site, in the cabin rental kitchens. The blessings of God are beyond amazing!!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner in my field is finding steady help and people who can work on an as-needed basis. We hire independent contractors, so they are not obligated to always work when we need help. We've had to use family members as last-minute fill-ins many times, but we always got the job completed.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Commit your work to God first and trust Him to prosper the work of your hands.
- Make each customer feel that they are important and go above and beyond to meet their needs.
- Grow with your business by listening and acting on services the people are asking for that you may not currently offer.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://www.fruitfulvintagechef.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FruitfulVintage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fruitfulvintage/
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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