Today we’d like to introduce you to David Wood.
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?
The Perfect Pairing: The Story of David Wood & Lori
JustGoodChefs is the culmination of two lifetimes spent in pursuit of the extraordinary. More than just a catering service, it is the living expression of Lori and David Wood’s shared passion for world-class dining and heartfelt hospitality.
The Foundation: Global Expertise Meets Local Heart
The journey to JustGoodChefs began on opposite sides of the Atlantic, fueled by a mutual obsession with the culinary arts.
* David Wood, a classically trained chef hailing from England, brought over 30 years of elite experience to the table. His career spans the kitchens of top-tier restaurants, luxury hotels, and high-stakes exclusive yacht cruises. This global tenure allowed him to master the nuances of French, European, and Asian cuisines, developing a technical precision that defines his cooking style today.
* Lori provides the essential soul and versatility of the brand. With a diverse baking background in catering —Lori’s expertise is anchored in her love for the craft. She is a master of the “sweet and the staple,” with a deep-seated passion for baking artisanal breads, decadent cookies, and bespoke cakes.
The Evolution: How We Got to Where We Are Today
David and Lori didn’t just want to cook; they wanted to curate. By blending David’s rigorous international training with Lori’s catering and baking background, they identified a gap in the market for truly personalized dining.
They moved away from the “one-size-fits-all” approach of traditional catering to build a brand centered on the individual. By prioritizing fresh, often locally sourced ingredients, they began crafting customized menus that reflect the unique tastes and dietary needs of their clients.
> “Every plate we serve is a reflection of our journey,” says David. “We take the techniques learned in luxury hotels and yachts and bring that level of excellence directly to your table.”
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JustGoodChefs Today: An Unforgettable Experience
Today, JustGoodChefs stands as a testament to the idea that great food should be an experience, not just a meal. Whether it’s an intimate dinner party or a grand celebration, David and Lori ensure that every menu is a collaborative process.
From Lori’s handmade bakery items to the final garnish on David’s internationally-inspired entrees, the duo continues to prove that when global expertise meets local passion, the result is an unforgettable culinary experience.
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?
The Reality: A Road Still Under Construction
Transitioning from the world of elite professional kitchens to business ownership has been a trial by fire. As they navigate their second year, David and Lori are open about the fact that it hasn’t always been a smooth road.
The Search for a Home Base: One of their greatest early hurdles was securing a professional kitchen. Finding a space that met rigorous health codes and allowed them the freedom to create was an exhausting search that required constant pivots and resilience.
Building a Foundation: Even with David’s 30 years of experience and Lori’s diverse catering background, gaining a solid clientele base is a daily mission. They are currently in the thick of it—working tirelessly to earn the trust of the community and turn every new guest into a lifelong advocate for their food.
The Commitment to Local: A cornerstone of JustGoodChefs is the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Integrating these into customized menus while managing the hurdles of a young business requires a level of dedication that larger, “cookie-cutter” catering companies simply don’t offer.
Today: A Personalized Culinary Legacy
The struggles of these first two years have only sharpened their mission. By refusing to take shortcuts, David and Lori have created a catering experience that is truly bespoke. They prioritize your specific tastes and dietary needs, ensuring that every meal is a reflection of their journey and your vision.
”We aren’t interested in the easy path,” says David. “We are interested in the right path. That means fresh ingredients and menus designed specifically for the person sitting at the table.”
Whether it is an internationally-influenced entree or a tray of Lori’s artisanal treats, JustGoodChefs ensures that every meal is more than just food—it is a personalized, unforgettable culinary experience.
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?
The JustGoodChefs Difference: Flavor & Personalization
At JustGoodChefs, we believe a meal is only as good as the thought put into it. Our approach is defined by a mastery of flavor and an uncompromising commitment to the individual needs of our clients.
Our Specialization: Building Layers of Flavor
We specialize in the art of building flavor. Drawing from David’s 30 years of classical training in French, European, and Asian cuisines, we focus on the “architecture” of a dish. By layering tastes and textures—from slow-simmered reductions to Lori’s artisanal breads—we ensure every bite is deep, balanced, and memorable.
What Sets Us Apart: Extreme Customization
What truly separates us from others is our obsession with customization. We don’t use “one-size-fits-all” templates. Instead, we craft every menu from scratch to match your specific tastes and dietary requirements. Whether you need a sophisticated multi-course dinner or have complex nutritional needs, we adapt our global techniques to fit your vision.
Our Greatest Pride: Excellence Without Shortcuts
Now in our second year, we are most proud of our resilience and our reputation for simply delivering great food. Despite the challenges of building a new business and a solid clientele, we have never compromised on our standards. We take pride in using fresh, often locally sourced ingredients to create a personalized, unforgettable culinary experience for every guest we serve.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
How to Support JustGoodChefs
As we navigate our second year and continue to build our foundation, non-financial support is just as valuable as a booking.
The Power of the Referral: In our second year, word-of-mouth is our most powerful tool. Recommending us to a friend, colleague, or local business owner is the greatest compliment we can receive.
Digital Advocacy: Following us on social media, tagging us in your photos of our food, and leaving a review on Google or Yelp helps us build the “digital trust” necessary to attract new clients.
Feedback Loops: We are most proud of our customization. If you’ve worked with us, your honest feedback helps us refine our “flavor architecture” and better serve the community.
Ways to Connect
Pricing:
- Healthy Meal Preperation From $250 for 4 people plus cost of Ingredients
- Private chef Dining From $120 per guest
- Catering Events Priced seperately
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Justgoodchefs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justgoodchefs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566315444469
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wood-92b32b11
- Youtube: @justgoodchefs
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/justgoodchefs-st-clair-shores-5
