Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyler Jenkins
Hi Tyler, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hi my name is Chef Tyler Jenkins and I am the owner/CEO/Head Chef of Chef T Culinary Services LLC
2019-2020 The year it all began
I’ve been cooking for as long as I can remember. I’ve been working in the industry since I was 16 from local pizza shops to chain restaurants. Once I graduated High School, I decided to pursue my culinary dreams are go to culinary school. I attended Cuyahoga Community College and received my associates of applied business in Culinary Arts/Restaurant Management. Culinary school is actually where I got the name Chef T. During my last year of college, I started a small pepperoni bread business called Chef T’s Pepperoni Bread. I had been making these breads since I was in high school and everyone raved over them and told me I should sell them. After launching that company, the pandemic hit. You might think that would slow down our business. The complete opposite happened; home deliveries were constantly coming in. After a few months of focusing on only private orders, I had finally landed a few retail stores to carry my pepperoni breads. Things were looking good but not completely where I wanted it to be. Then, I got an opportunity to appear on a show called “New Day Cleveland” which focuses on small businesses. Over skype, I appeared on the show in a local shop since I had nowhere to shoot the segment. Within 30 minutes, I was busier than I had ever imagined. Starting right after and into the next day filling orders, restocking stores.
I decided it was time to get back into the public eye. I had been an entrepreneur since I was 11. From marshmallow blow guns, to jewelry boxes, to now bakery, you could say I had the CEO mindset. Getting back into farmers markets and craft shows was easy and hard at the same time. But, the response was fantastic. I kept that business flowing while working a second job for about a year and a half.
2022, The year of the spice blends.
Pepperoni bread sales were good but they weren’t going to last forever. I had to come up with a new concept. While I was in culinary school, My fellow classmates would constantly make remarks on my spice blend skills. My one blend I had made for class was technically just for steaks. Everyone stated that I needed to sell that blend. With so many blends on the market, I thought “no not gonna happen”. With the idea of a new concept on my mind, I revisited the spice idea. I sold that blend and a Cajun seasoning blend I came up with. In small batches, they were actually selling, who knew.
I then expanded the line with a cheesy ranch blend, a BBQ blend, and a chili seasoning packet. I started the sales online and then into stores. The sales were surprisingly good. I then went back on “New Day Cleveland” and as per last visit, spice sales were soaring while also securing more locations and the need for more flavors. As of 2024 we now have 10 flavors with the inclusion of a salt free blend, everything bagel, a coffee rub, a smoker rub, and my personal favorite our sweet chipotle rub.
2023-2024 The start of the empire
I was so invested with the retail side of the business that I felt like I was slipping away from my true passion, even with working for multiple restaurants. I decided to start a food truck, but finances weren’t there. I learned about a tent unit and decided to do that. I decided to do a menu that was near and dear to my heart, BBQ. I opened Chef T BBQ to the public and secured multiple public and private events. Sales were decent for the first year but I wanted to expand more. In 2024, I expanded Chef T BBQ into catering as well. I did a BBQ menu roll out on “New Day Cleveland” and catering orders were flying in. Expanding my menu to offer menu items like jalapeno cheddar sausage, brisket burnt ends, cheesy potatoes, and scratch made sauces. I strive to produce as much of my menu from scratch. This was our most successful year to date. I’m now in the works to expand to cater a variety of menus and different events. The Chef T brand is finally making it. I’m the proud CEO of Chef T Culinary Services LLC.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Covid was my biggest struggle. Trying to launch a company when no-one really wants to go out and buy stuff is hard.
Also, being a lone employee made it even harder. Sure family and friends wanted to help any way they could, but I felt it within myself to pursue this alone. First mistake. Second mistake, taking advice from those who don’t know the industry properly. I was not aware of all the licenses I need to get for the business. I was actually shut down for a month to secure licenses and get inspections.
My other big struggle was getting my name out there. TV appearances were good and all but it wasn’t enough. I’m pretty tech savvy and great with marketing, but I’m not the best on social media. I’m trying to understand how to do a TikTok video properly hahaha. In the public, not a lot of people had heard of Chef T and people still are not aware. It will take some time work those relations and get 85% knowing of us.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Chef T Culinary Services?
We specialize in fresh pepperoni breads/sausage rolls, premium spice blends, catering and mobile BBQ. Great food backed by amazing hospitality. Everything we produce we are famous for. I want your viewers to know that we are a small batch company producing everything by hand. Started by a now 24 year old young entrepreneur with a dream. We are well known in the Lake County area and looking to reach everywhere. We offer on our catering end currently 2 different menus; BBQ, and Modern American. We are also able to offer personalized menus to fit anyone’s event.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest mentors are actually people I met randomly. Working multiple places expanded my catalog to get advice from Chef’s who have worked in this industry before me. Its all about people skills. If your willing to have even a 60 second conversation, 60 seconds can change your life.
Pricing:
- Spices range from $6.99-$12.99
- We Offer Breads at $6.99 or 3/$20
- Catering varies in price
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.cheftservices.com/#/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheftservices/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheftservices/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69nbpPYHqVk
- Other: https://linktr.ee/cheftservices
