Today we’d like to introduce you to Carl Leatherberry Jr.
Hi Carl, 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?
Hello my name is Chef Carl Leatherberry Jr. I was born in St.Louis, MO, and raised in Detroit MI. Here’s how everything got started: I worked in a nursing home in Hannibal,Missouri. I always had a passion for cooking but this experience was different; a certain resident there refused to eat, and some of the other residents were also not eating because they felt no one cared about the food that was being preparing for them. So, I made a simple vegetable soup and when the residents tasted my homemade soup, one resident shouted out, “NOW THAT’S SOUP!!” I almost lost it with laughter. A year later, I returned to Detroit and began my catering company, ‘Chef Carl’s Gourmet Experience’.
Another story I remember so vividly: I remember waking up and telling my late wife I had a dream about a barbecue grill that was on wheels welded to a trailer. She told me to draw what I could remember from the dream. She got up out of bed and brought back paper and a pencil and said it again, “Draw It!”. I remember drawing the grill and a close friend referred me to a guy that was able to buid it. I remember being outside in the hot sun with both my wife and daughter selling BBQ to pay my way though culinary school, I will never forget those moments. Today, that very same grill is in my backyard and I see it everyday: that helps me remember her love for me and her belief in my dream to become a chef.
Today, there’s a new chapter in my life. I will be opening a restaurant this year with a very close friend I’ve known for over 30 years, called Premier Eatery & Cocktails in the city of Detroit. I hope to bring job opportunities to the youth in the city of Detroit and rebuild the community to promote change from within.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I can’t say it’s been a smooth road. Life has it’s up and downs, and I’ve had my share of struggles. The biggest struggle I’ve experienced on this journey is the death of my wife, my daughter and her mother, and my grandmother one after another within three mouths in 2021. Nothing else can be compared.
I’ve struggled all my life growing up in an environment where I was forced to survive the best way I knew how; a place where the effects of being “poverty-stricken” is a reality. To overcome those harsh things, there’s only one word (name) that comes to mind: YAHSHUA (commonly referred to as ‘Jesus’). He gets all the praise for giving me the resilience to keep going, to keep pushing on, and continue to live life despite the struggles. A quote I remember, “Adversity builds Character”, so I weather every storms.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Premier Eatery & Cocktails is an upscale lively cocktail restaurant, serving international dishes ranging from European to South American culinary cuisine, giving respect to a world of different food and cultures, all with a soulful vibe. Where Jazz, R&B ,Comedy and versatile entertainment from all over the Michigan area comes to life with amazing food, great service and stellar hospitality. Premier is not only a name, it’s a way of life. We will be premiering “special guest” Chefs, and “special guest” Mixologists, and Bartenders working with our resident Chefs and Mixologists to combine cultures in one lively environment. Our goal is to provide job opportunities and rebuild the community from within, for the future of our youth.
I am Executive Chef/ Co-owner of Premier Eatery & Cocktails and Owner of Chef Carl’s Gourmet Experience. “I specialize in BBQ, smoked meats as well as international cuisine with a “soulful twist. I invent creative seasoning blends and sauces. “The Flavor Builder ” is a kitchen nickname I inherited over the years because of my creative seasonings blends. I can envision the flaovors I want to create before I execute them. I have a pretty unique palate and it tends to my creativity in the kitchen.
Chef Carl’s Gourmet Experience is a catering company I’ve owned for almost 15 years now, It’s where the experience comes to you. We cater special occasions, private events, parties,or any type of gathering where you want to bring the party to life! We go above and beyond to create not only a meal but an “experience” that you would never forget. No matter the occasion, we elevate the vibe!”
Who else deserves credit in your story?
“First, all praise and credit goes to my brother and savior, Yahshua, for keeping me in His mercy and grace. I am thankful to my late wife and daughter for spending long days in the scorching hot sun around a hot grill while I worked to pay my way though culinary school. They supported my development of Chef Carl’s Gourmet Experience i will always love,cherish, and honor them in everything I accomplish on this journey.”
“My Best friend and brother from another mother “Jesse Alexander, who always believed in me no matter what. Jesse called me one day to meet him at a building he’d found. When I arrived, I was shocked to see that he had already begun devaeloping the building for our restaurant. He turned to me and asked ,” Are you ready? ” . I was shocked to say the least! I was elated to see my dream coming to life before my very eyes. A special thanks to my brother Jesse!! I love you Dude! Premier Eatery&Cocktails is a reality thanks to you!
Finally I want to thank a host of family, friends, business owners, chef, severs, teammates, classmates, supporters, brethren, and so many more , too many to name, for not letting go, not giving up on me, and keeping me in mind and in heart as a friend and loved one. I will never forget all that you said and done. Love you all.
Thanks for this special opportunity to share with you all Premier Eatery and Cocktails and Chef Carl’s Gourmet Experience. See you all at the Grand Opening soon! Peace and Love”!
Pricing:
- Wedding Packages
- Catering Packages
- Baby Shower Packages
- On-site Catering Packages
- On-site Grill Packages
Contact Info:
- Email: Premiereateryjobs@gmail.com
- Instagram: 1ChefCarl, Chef Carl’s Gourmet Experience
- Facebook: Carl Leatherberry 1ChefCarl
