Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrence Simelton.
Hi Terrence, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My love for cooking was always there, I just didn’t know it until I moved to Texas in 2003. I grew up in Memphis, TN, one of the greatest places in the world to enjoy great BBQ. I would always bring my lunch to work, and my co-workers would ask me, “why don’t you sell plates or cater food”? So I said, why not try. One of my coworkers was getting married and she asked me to prepare her food for her wedding reception. I was nervous as heck but accepted the challenge. From there, my life changed. I thought to myself… someone trusted me to provide food for the most important day of their life! So I stepped up to the challenge, everything turned out great and from there I knew I needed to start my own business.
I prayed about a name and what direction GOD wanted me to go with this. He told me, “USE YOUR GIFT I GAVE YOU”. The name soon followed and INFINITY CUISINE BY SEAN was born. I have always loved all types of food, from sharing cucumbers and tomatoes on the porch with my grandaddy Isaac to appreciating and trying out foods from other cultures. My slogan is, “Endless possibilities to fit your catering needs.” I have prepared food for events from as small and intimate as 2 people to larger parties of 250 people for Weddings, Reunions, Anniversaries, Corporate Parties, Birthdays, and Personal Chef Dinners. I always wondered where did this passion for cooking come from and until about three years ago when I found out that my great grandfather was one of the first black chefs at a Holiday Inn in Memphis. I was floored when I saw his picture but finally understood where my passion came from…..It’s in my genes.
In 2015, I was featured on Channel 8/WFFA news for Dallas-Ft. Worth The BBQ BOSS Series. It was a game-changer and definitely boosted my business. I was able to introduce the Metroplex to my BBQ Spaghetti. People really love it as much as I love preparing it and I’m very proud of it. I also love cooking Caribbean food. Jerk chicken with rice & peas is my one of personal favorites.
My wife Donnya has been a huge supporter of the business and of me. She truly wants to see me win and works just as hard right beside me to execute all of our events. Plus, she puts up with me when I’m in my “cooking”zone lol. My goal has always been to put my love and passion into whatever I cook for my clients. Food is the one thing that seems to bring families together and family and fellowship is very important to me, so I will continue to do my part in uniting families by sharing my food for their special events.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
With it just being my wife and I, it can take a lot of work to ensure our client’s needs are met but we always step up to the challenge and do what is needed to grow our business.
Catering can have its highs and lows. I can go from having only a few events to several. Therefore, I also juggle a full time job as a Culinary Manager for a well known family enterprise company to support my family which demands a lot of my time. However, the management and business experience obtained has helped me grow my own business and for that I am grateful and know that these skills will one day help Infinitely Cuisine by Sean to be my only job.
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?
With Infinity Cuisine By Sean, I was able to bring some of Memphis to DFW. I truly brought my roots with me. I’m big on really good seasoned BBQ, without the sauce lol. I feel like sauce disguises the meat…..but I will make my signature “Chef Rock” sauce on the side for those sauce eaters lol. When I offer BBQ Spaghetti people ask, “What is that”? I chuckle and say it’s a Memphis thing……Mane, you will love it. I usually gain a new client and they always come back for more.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Moving here helped me discover my passion for cooking. With the variety of ethnic foods available, mom and pop restaurants and all of the different food trucks around, It helped spark my entrepreneurial spirit.
However, with so many opportunities available here, there is a lot of competition which makes me want strive to be the best and be creative with my cooking style. I’ve always been humble and admired other chefs in the area and I’m always open to learning more from others.
Contact Info:
- Email: Icbysean@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/infinitycuisinebysean/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/infinitycuisinebysean
Image Credits
Donnya Simelton Infinity Cuisine By Sean
