Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Box.
Hi Justin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Cooking has always held a huge place in my heart. I use to cook with my great grandma on an old black leather and wooden kitchen stool, stirring sauce and gravy, browning the meat, etc, etc., and tasting as much as I possibly could without finishing up the entire pan before dinner! Food and cooking were always there when I felt anxious, and I found my love so deep, that I always wanted to cook for others and make a living doing so, even from a very young age. This made me whole. I started cooking at small places in high school and eventually left off to San Francisco to attend the California Culinary Academy shortly after graduating high school, and briefly attending El Centro Community College here in Dallas. I was gone from 2002 until 2005 and barely skated by due to heavy alcohol and drug addiction. I came back to Dallas after what seemed to be forever and although I was still completely out of my. mind due to substance abuse, I was still cooking with some of the greatest Chefs and mentors that Dallas Texas has ever seen. I eventually put myself into treatment on April 25th, 2010 after some really hard times, and continued on with my career the moment I came home. I was reborn and had a new understanding about life. My flame for learning and the craft was lit brighter than ever and I haven’t stopped the healthy hustle, and have remained sober for just under 14 years. My Creator has been good to me.
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?
Drugs, alcohol, self-harm, and trauma-induced anxiety drove the vehicle most of my childhood and young adult life, but I never have up hope.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For the past 7 years, I have stepped away from full-time restaurant work and focused on paving my own path. I realized how short life truly is and that I want as much time with my children as I can possibly have, but not sacrificing opportunity. This is a tedious practice and a crazy balancing act. Today I cook for Punk bands and nationally recognized hip-hop artists, as well as sports players, comedians, actors, etc. And the main drive is private dining, pop-up events, wine pairing dinners, and consulting. I don’t know what really sets me apart, but one thing is for certain… The world owes me nothing and I work as hard as I can for my family without regret. I want to be the father to my kids that I always wanted.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Best thing about our city or at least my little piece of the place is how culturally diverse it is, and my least favorite part is how the big guys don’t do more to put the little guys on the map.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Chef_Justin_Box_food
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.box.54
