Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Jones.
Hi Christopher, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Chef Cj (Christopher Jones) Is an 8-year Army Veteran whose culinary career began in the Halls of the Army Chow Hall. KP duty, which was a duty given to the newer soldiers after basic training. Working in the kitchen under high levels of stress was the norm. Not your normal kitchen, but a combat kitchen with Army and Air force Chefs felt like working under Gordon Ramsey daily.
From Army Kitchen Runt to Multiple Business owner and Chef. Chef CJ has participated in multiple cooking competitions, including The Avenues Breaking Bread 2022 and the Army Victorinox Grilling competition.
Retiring from the Military and Opening up his own catering company (Distinguished Gentleman LLC) and (Noah Joes LLC) Chef Cj has made the next step in his culinary evolution. Becoming one of the South’s well-known catering companies. (Distinguished Gentleman Catering)
His mix of Creole with a Midwest flare has sparked some new flavorful kitchen concepts.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My first few years in the business were really hard on me and my family. However, I took that risk to create generational wealth for my family. Unfortunately, there’s a very tough learning curb in the culinary industry. So many unsung rules and regulations. Being a first-time business owner and also realizing the amount of time and energy that goes into owning your own business is really draining. Missing holidays and birthdays to appease your clientele. You have to really love what you do to keep positive and continue grinding, even when you may not be comfortable with those business ups and downs. You just have to find a way to keep pushing forward.
The struggles create so much depth and character. I had to really humble myself to become the chef I am today. Taking a step back and studying my failures. Accepting full accountability for my shortcomings and also taking negative criticism and turning it into positive adjustments.
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?
I am a Chef and culinary Artist! I love to express myself with beautiful food. I’ve always been big on making food look as good as it taste. That balance creates an unforgettable foodie experience.
I feel like I’m just now tapping into my inner artist with my current creative dishes. I’m very well known for my presentation. I create beautiful brunch spreads. Colorful, eye-popping, delicious food displays are my staple.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the level I’ve taken my food to. The constant progression has been my biggest challenge. I challenge myself daily to be better. I am my toughest critic, but I also understand the level of excellence necessary at the next level.
What sets me apart from other chefs would be my outside-the-box cooking and seasoning methods. Big bold flavors paired with a beautiful display. Topping it off with an interactive “WOW” experience. This is what separates me from any other chef.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding inspiration and mentoring in top chefs Gordon Ramsey, Guy Feri, Carla Hall, and others. Creating my own twist to their amazing dishes has always been a hobby of mine. However, in the culinary world, you can find inspiration anywhere. From a cookbook to a commercial, and especially social media these days.
I very much enjoy Networking with amazing chefs and collaborating with them to create huge opportunities for entrepreneurs in the culinary space.
Pricing:
- Brunch Catering for 5 $550
- Brunch Catering for 10 $1100
- Brunch Catering for 15 $1500
- Brunch Catering for 20 $2000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/chefamor2u
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/chefamor2u?/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100017900404591&mibextid=LQQJ4d
