Today we’d like to introduce you to Meliah Moore
MELIAH , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Meliah Moore, and my love for food began long before I ever set foot in a professional kitchen. It started in my hometown of Barnesville, Ohio, where I grew up watching my older brother, Mark, cook. I saw how food had the power to bring people together, how a simple meal could create lasting memories. That inspiration led me to take my first culinary classes and set me on the path toward a career in food and beverage.
At 22, I took a leap and moved to South Carolina, where I began working at The Westin, a high-end hotel known for its fine dining. I started as a line cook at Oceans, the hotel’s intimate restaurant, where I worked with incredible ingredients and learned from some of the most talented chefs in the industry. That experience shaped me. It was there, under the pressure of a professional kitchen, that I fell in love with the artistry, the discipline, and the intensity of this world.
By 25, I had moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where I had the incredible opportunity to open my first restaurant as an executive chef—a Spanish tapas concept. Becoming an executive chef at 25 is rare; becoming one as a woman is even rarer. This industry is demanding, and as a woman, I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. The long hours, the relentless expectations, and the challenges of leading a kitchen in a male-dominated field made me stronger, more determined, and more passionate about paving the way for other women in the culinary world.
Since then, I’ve opened and operated four more restaurants, each one teaching me something new about leadership, creativity, and resilience. But one of the most transformative experiences of my career came when I joined Added Touch Catering in Atlanta, working under Sandra and Clive Bank. They changed everything for me—not just the way I saw food, but how I approached hospitality, service, and the smallest details that turn a meal into an experience.
In 2022, my wife, KateLynn Moore, and I made the decision to return to Ohio to be closer to family and raise our daughters. It was here that R & R was born—not just a business, but an extension of who I am. A reflection of my passion for whole, sustainable, real food and the belief that great meals should nourish both body and soul.
More than anything, I am a mother. My three incredible daughters—Frankie Ruth, Jett Rose, and Logan Rye—are my greatest inspirations. They are the reason I push forward, the reason I want to create something lasting. I want them to see that women belong in leadership. That they can build, create, and lead in any industry they choose. That they don’t have to ask for a seat at the table—they can build their own.
R & R is more than just a business to me. It’s a mission. A chance to redefine what’s possible in food, hospitality, and business ownership. It’s about proving that success in this industry isn’t just about talent—it’s about grit, vision, and the willingness to keep going, no matter what stands in your way.
And for me, the best part? I’m just getting started.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I lost my oldest brother when I was 18, and that loss shaped a lot of who I am. Grief has a way of changing your perspective on life—it pushes you to find purpose in what you do, but it also weighs on you in ways that never fully go away.
On top of that, I chose to work in a male-dominated field. Being a woman chef is rare, and being respected as one is even harder. Kitchens are tough environments—physically demanding, fast-paced, and often unforgiving. You have to have thick skin. You have to be willing to work twice as hard just to prove you belong, and even then, there are moments when you feel like you’re fighting to be taken seriously.
I’ve dealt with the long hours, the burnout, the feeling of being underestimated. But I love what I do. I love creating food that connects people, that tells a story, that brings comfort. The road hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the chef and business owner I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of R & R Catering + Consulting . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a private chef known for my creative cuisine and deep passion for food and health. What sets me apart is my commitment to using the freshest ingredients, crafting meals that not only nourish the body but also bring people together. I believe food is more than just sustenance—it’s a source of joy, connection, and healing.
I take immense pride in witnessing how food brings happiness to people, whether it’s through an intimate dining experience, a beautifully catered event, or a thoughtfully curated meal. My approach is rooted in the idea that food was the original medicine, capable of nurturing both the body and soul. Through my work, I strive to create unforgettable culinary experiences that celebrate the power of wholesome, real ingredients.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
To my daughters:
Never quit. Never give up. The world will challenge you, but you are stronger than you know. Being a woman is not a limitation—it is a force, a power, a gift. You have the ability to shape the world with your passion, your resilience, and your vision.
When you start something new, whether it’s a business, a career, or a dream, there will be moments of doubt. People may question you. You may even question yourself. That’s normal. But remember—no great achievement comes without struggle. Keep going. Learn from every mistake. Adapt. Grow.
You don’t need permission to take up space. Walk into every room like you belong there—because you do. Build something meaningful. Lift others as you climb. And when things get hard (because they will), dig deep and remind yourself: you were made for this.
The world is waiting for what only you can bring. So go out there, be bold, and change it
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.randrcaterohio.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RandRCaterOhio
