Meet Amani Richardson of The Passion Player Chef in Arlington

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amani Richardson.

Amani, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
So, being raised here I’ve grown to know a lot of people in the area and have grown a bond with a lot of my peers. I just graduated from college at Texas Southern University and recently moved back home to Arlington and had been going through the grinder of the recent graduate corporate job search and have failed many times I decided to take matters into my own hands and start putting my focus on what I love to do which is cooking. So I recently just started my personal dining or cartering business that is still in start-up but had been getting tremendous support from people in the area. One of my main goal is in the next five years open up my own brunch spot called “Meeka Jo’s Jazz Cafe & Lounge” something that I’ve always dreamed about and I won’t stop until it is brought to reality. Oh and the Meeka part would be paying homage to my mom who has played a vital part as to why I know how to cook so well.

Has it been a smooth road?
This process has not been a very easy one there have been times where I have questioned myself and the thing that I did was pray to God that he orders my steps and I have to say that God walked me into the position that I am in as to have a business that I love doing that does not feel like work. I love what I’m doing and I love putting that smile on peoples face.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
So what I do right now is I am a Caterer around the DFW area I get booked for events that people throw and I give them what you like to call “The Mani Experience” I take care of everything as far as food goes to put my clients at peace of mind. Another aspect that I do is Personal Dining where I can come into your house and prepare next-level meals for you and make your special evening one to remember. One of the things that I’m most proud of at the moment is the overall support that I get from week to week I literally have to slow down the messages from people taking orders and man I love what I do.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I know specifically what I want…I want to corner the Market on Brunch in Dallas I plan on Having my brunch spot “Meeka Jo’s Jazz Cafe &Lounge” open Somewhere near uptown downtown Dallas and bringing all my peers together to kick back show love and be ourself! Dope vibes only!.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thepassionplayerchef

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