Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Williamson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m the chef and founder of James Provisions, a restaurant and neighborhood shop in Hurst, Texas. I’m a proud Texan, but I spent over 20 years in New York City – 15 of those running my own restaurant in Brooklyn.
In 2022, I made the decision to return to my hometown. After so many years away, it felt like the right moment to come home. I opened James Provisions in 2023 to offer something similar to what I had created there, food that’s nourishing, ingredient-driven, and rooted in community.
My goal was to create a space that felt welcoming and intentional, where the food tastes good and feels good. James Provisions is about real nourishment, seasonal cooking, and bringing people together, whether they’re sitting down for a meal or picking up a few provisions to enjoy at home. It’s been an incredible journey coming full circle and sharing this next chapter back where it all began.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—starting any new restaurant comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest has been our location. We’re in a suburban part of the Hurst/Colleyville area, which is beautiful and community-oriented, but not exactly a high-traffic zone like Dallas. You don’t just stumble upon us—you kind of have to know we’re here and make a point to come.
That’s meant we’ve had to work extra hard to build visibility and educate people about who we are and what we do. We serve healthy, thoughtful, ingredient-driven food—something that might feel a little unexpected in a suburban setting. But that’s part of the mission: to offer something truly nourishing and unique, even (and especially) in places where it’s not already the norm.
It’s been a challenge, but also a huge opportunity. The connections we’re building feel deep and intentional, and we’re proud to be part of shaping what’s possible in this community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
James Provisions is a restaurant and neighborhood shop based in Hurst, Texas, focused on real, nourishing food made with care. We serve seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes using Texas Angus beef that’s hormone- and antibiotic-free. We’re especially known for being a no seed oil restaurant, we cook exclusively with traditional fats like olive oil and butter. It’s one of the ways we stay true to our mission, serving food that supports your body without compromising on flavor or integrity. Our menu includes options that are gluten-free and keto-friendly.
In addition to our kitchen, we also operate a provisions shop offering curated items like culinary salts, teas, oils, snacks, chocolates, and tools we personally use and love.
Just honest food, beautifully prepared. We’re here for the community that wants to eat well, live well, and feel connected to what’s on their plate. That’s the heart of James Provisions.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Don’t be afraid to mess up. You learn way more from mistakes than from getting it right the first time. Just start doing, no need to have everything figured out.
Also, be patient with yourself. Building something meaningful takes time, and it’s okay if it’s slow. The important thing is to keep showing up and keep your heart in it.
And trust me, take care of yourself, especially what you put in your body. Eating well, resting, and staying healthy aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re what keep you going when the hustle gets real.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.james-provisions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesprovisions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesprovisionstexas/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/james-provisions
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesprovisions
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/james-provisions-hurst
Image Credits
Andrea Gentl & Martin Hyers
Thanin Viriyaki
Deborah Williamson
