Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Karriem.
After Working for prominent Restaurants and Chefs such as Wolfgang Puck 560, The Joule Hotel Charlie Palmer, G Texas Catering, & City Kitchen, Chef Karriem realized that if he was good enough to work for some of the best in the World, then it would only be right to branch out on his own..
Karriem’s Catering began with a minimal start up targeting business looking for healthy lunch and catering alternatives….So on a whim, Chef Karriem decided to prepare a delicious lunch for the local Chamber of Commerce unannounced and just so happen on the day he provided lunch, there was a business conference going on and they were too happy to get lunch and let him tell a bit about his business.
After the intro and the meal was served, Chef Karriem gained 40 corporate accounts and has continued to grow since 2012 to over 200 corporate accounts and growing to this day.
He is in heavy demand because his catering business not only provides healthy delicious American Cuisine, but he can create any cuisine to fit the needs of the customer, whether it’s Italian, Mexican, Vegetarian or any Global Cuisine.
….. Strong emphasis is always place on customer service and his goal is to make you the star of your event……
He has also won over 18 Awards in the past 3 years including the Quest for Success Award given to 6 Entrepreneurs from all of North Texas from Ch. 8 and Chase Bank and the Eagle Award for Business Man of the Year from 300 Women in Business and the Ft. Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce.
He is a graduate of Tarrant County College Culinary Program and always give thanks to Chef Warner and Chef Allison for giving him the polish to become outstanding in his field…
Currently J.P. Morgan Chase Bank has his image on every ATM in Dallas/Ft. Worth for the next few months and he is as humble as ever and driven to continue to provide the best or nothing at all…
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like any business there has been times where capital has been an issue, because with many companies paying net 30 cash flow is an issue to keep up with the demand of catering orders which require up front capital to buy supplies, payroll, and associated expenses, but as always Chef Karriem has a failure is not an option attitude and always makes a way to make it happen exceeding expectations consistently!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Karriem’s Custom Catering story. Tell us more about the business.
As the Executive Chef, I am responsible for all the day to day operations of the business as well as menu planning, meeting with potential clients, marketing, promotions and even the dishes from time to time.. We specialize in Custom Catering so that we are able to customize the menu to meet your dietary needs as well as the budget for your event…
One of the main things that sets us apart, is our willingness to go the extra mile when it comes to customer service and the quality of foods that we use. Second I am a Chef that caterers which makes a huge difference in the quality of food that is provided, and third our goal is to make you happy and keep your business.
One of the many dishes that we are known for is our World famous Poblano Chicken “And it’s Delicious “People literally request this dish on a regular basis and it is the talk of the town.
I am most proud that I have been able to donate over 5,000 meals annually that started from 1 plate lunch. And the idea that I could make a difference in the community as well as provide jobs
I’m also proud that food has connected me with people of all walks of life such as politicians, CEO’s, celebrities, athletes, and good folks. Food has even put me in front of the camera for Ch. 8 to do a cooking demonstration…. and bring my Mobile Kitchen to their campus to serve lunch on a regular basis…
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Well of course we all need breaks when it comes to being successful… I would say it has been all good because to start with literally a box lunch and an idea and now doing 40 to 50 catering jobs a month for the past 6 years with business doubling in size year after year there is nothing to frown about…
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chefkarriem.com
- Phone: 817 723-6970
- Email: chefkarriem@yahoo.com
- Instagram: chefkarriem
- Facebook: chef karriem
- Twitter: chef karriem
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
