When we think of family traditions, we often reflect on experiences that brought happiness, or strengthened bonds between families. One of the most popular of these traditions is the family dinner. Something as small as sharing a meal brings people together to experience a connection. Atlanta Personal Chef is committed to seeing that this tradition is not lost. Founder Amy Patricio’s dedication to providing healthy home-cooked meals to bring families back together has accelerated the success of Atlanta Personal Chef. Along with the experience and leadership of co-owner Chef Gizzy Rawlins, Atlanta Personal Chef has skyrocketed into one of the most sought-after meal prep catering services in Atlanta. Atlanta Meal Prep’s team of passionate chefs delivers quality meals and exceptional customer service to families across Georgia. Both in-home and offsite chefs work to appease the culinary needs of each family to ensure that their experience will bring that connection to families and also keep tradition alive. This Month in Honor of Women’s History month we would like to acknowledge Amy And Chef Gizzy for their devotion to serving the families of Atlanta.
How did you first become a part of the restaurant industry, and what was your first job?
After working in the retail cosmetics industry for 10 years, I decided that I wanted to go to culinary school! Growing up with a Dad who made family dinners every night sparked an interest in cooking. I enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu of Atlanta and 1.5 years later I was hired at Atmosphere Bistro, a small classic French restaurant in Midtown.
How long have you been in Georgia and what first brought you here?
I am happy to say that I am a Georgia native! Most of my culinary style is centered around local and seasonal ingredients.
How did you choose your name?
I originally chose the name Atlanta Personal Chef Service because it described exactly what we do. I wanted a name that would be easily identifiable and there weren’t any other companies in Atlanta in the personal chef market, so it was available.
How did you come up with the idea for your new business?
I’ve always been passionate about families eating dinner together, since growing up I was lucky to have my mom prepare a homemade dinner every night that my family could all enjoy together. As more moms are working full-time, and work demands have increased, having a service to help families not only connect during the busy work week but also eat healthily, is more important than ever. When some of our regular clients also started requesting in-home dinner parties and events, it was a logical next step to offer events as well.
What do you think are the most important skills for a new food concept?
Hard work, patience, and a long-term plan. Successful food businesses aren’t born overnight. Delivering quality time and time again, and building rapport with a supportive client base is key. As the business grew, and we started hiring more chefs, making sure that everyone was supported financially and with a full benefits package proved key to building a top-notch team of chefs.
What’s the biggest food business-related challenge that you had to struggle to overcome?
When Covid first hit in March of 2020, everything turned upside down. Adjusting to new safety standards, navigating grocery stores with empty shelves, and pivoting to a delivery model all at the same time was the most difficult period in the last ten years for sure!
What’s on your menu? Why did you choose this cuisine?
The best part of being a Chef with Atlanta Personal Chef Service is that we aren’t limited to one cuisine! We have a customizable service that allows us to reach all areas of the globe within a client’s parameters. I specialize in Modern European cuisine using local/seasonal ingredients.
What’s the best part of being owning your own company?
Working with smart, motivated, talented individuals. We get to choose who we work with, and the clients we serve, and we focus on making sure everyone is aligned to our core values so that we all enjoy positive, professional relationships.
What lessons have you learned since launching your own business?
I’ve learned that relationships are key to any business. From your teammates to your clients, to vendors and partners, it takes a village to keep a successful food business running. Building connections and supporting other food businesses is important!
Is there anything you would have done differently at the start?
Clients asked for years and years for a delivery offer. I was hesitant to offer it because of the increased kitchen costs and a worry about losing our differentiation on quality. When Covid hit and the decision was forced upon us, the business grew and delivery has provided new ways to serve our clients and provide the team a steady platform for their culinary growth.
Any new exciting news or events coming?
January marked the ten-year anniversary of Atlanta Personal Chef Service. We’re closing for a full Saturday to celebrate as a team on a party boat in Lake Lanier this summer!
How can someone buy your product? sign up for service?
Give us a call at 404-913-4633 or visit our website at www.AtlChefs.com.