Today we’d like to introduce you to Leland Cummings
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 grew up in Philadelphia, PA, worked under some great chefs there and was encouraged to go to culinary school. One of my early mentors was a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and helped me get involved there which really is the genesis of my success today. From the CIA, I went to Europe to train in Michelin Star kitchens, spending the bulk of my time in Dublin, Ireland. When I moved back to the states I worked in Tulsa, OK at a PGA Country Club, Southern Hills. That experience led me to meeting my now wife and moving to Cincinnati in late 2012. My experience in Cincinnati is from The Hilton Netherland Plaza under Todd Kelly. Towards what would become the end of my time at NP (2016) I was ask to cook for a couple and some out of town guest at their home since they had a new born and still wanted an experience. That was my A-ha moment and shortly after I started my company, Occam Dining. Since day one our vision was to offer a restaurant quality experience in the comfort of our clients’ homes. Over the years we have had the pleasure of collaborating with local companies that align with that vision and have had the opportunity to meet some of the most wonderful people the Cincinnati area has to offer. From those dinners, I have made relationships with agents, doctors and nutritionist who have helped me work with actors and professional athletes while they are in Cincinnati. Today, I enjoy a good mix of both in home dinners, and working with athletes/actors. My goal is do more travel cooking, possibly for groups attending major sporting events.
I recently began consulting and would love to have that become a part of our offerings. I live by the saying, ‘never stop being of service’ and truly believe hospitality is something that is felt.
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?
Nothing good is ever a smooth road. I started with little money and would buy the plates I needed for a dinner and make little profit, but was able to build inventory. My then apartment looked like a crate and barrel showroom and we would have to carry everything up and down two flights of stairs before and after each event. There were parts of the years that we significantly slower than other, so that was an important lesson early on.
I always knew what I wanted to my guests to feel through the experience and that has served as my north star throughout the years.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am professional chef who specialized in private experience base hospitality. I host intimate dining experiences in homes and small venues. In addition, I specialize in diet specific meal preparation for professional athletes and actors while in Cincinnati. I also have an extensive background in hospitality and love helping professionals start, grow, and refine their offerings. I am most proud of my ability to become part of my clients lives and quickly adapt to their needs and provide a one of a kind experience each time.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My family has always been my support system.
Early on my Nana, Rosemary, recognized my passion for food and went out of her way to expose me to lots of different cultures and cuisines. She would call me every week while I was in culinary school and abroad to recap the week and help with reflection the experiences from that time. Without her support and pushing me I would not have had the courage to take chances as early as I did. Sadly she passed in 2021.
Nowadays, my wife (Morgan) and daughters (Cecilia and Ireland) are my number one cheerleaders!
I have had the privilege of building relationships with some great clients over the years and they have been my advocates. It is such a great feeling to get a call from someone who says they were referred by someone.
I contribute my success to everyone I have met along the way. Everyone has a story and if you listen you can find inspiration in those conversation that often lead to something wonderful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.occamdining.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/occamdining
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/occamdining
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leland-cummings/
- Other: https://www.exploretock.com/occam-dining
