Exploring Life & Business with Jordan Groves of Groves Kreations

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Groves.  

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 discovered my passion for food and cooking at a young age; as a child, I spent summers in Chicago with my grandmother, which is where I got my first introduction to preparing meals. When I was 10, I asked her to make me a traditional down south meal, including fried chicken, okra, and candied yams. It was here that she taught me how to butcher a whole chicken and what to look for when cooking thoroughly. Growing up, I watched the Food Network a lot I wanted to be like Emeril Lagasse, have a cooking show, and love of the people-watching and dining. After high school, I got my first job in a QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) making pizzas for a popular chain. It was here where I honed in on service excellence and food quality. My next step in my career was working at Whole Foods Market inside of their prepared foods department, started off as counter help and then moved on to their hand-crafted pizza station and hot food prep. While working here I was given more freedom in creativity of creation of food which I liked as I had several repeat customers, and my pizzas would sell out before they came out the oven most days. I had a signature bacon cheeseburger pizza that was crowd favorite. At the time I was enrolled in Community college taking night classes in 2018, I graduated and was accepted into Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI. I studied Hospitality Tourism Management and graduated with a B.S. in April of 2020. in 2019 while in school, I started a food business selling meals using Instagram and Snapchat to gain customers; I called it Groves Kreations using my Signature hashtag #ifyamancantcookyoushouldleavehim (TM). While I had some success, the reality was that college kids did not have much money, and many relied on food service from the school. After graduation, unfortunately, were in the early days of what would become the Covid-19 global pandemic. The job offers in my industry I had were rescinded due to shutdowns. I was left with a decision to make, either stay in grand rapids with no sign of financial stability or come home. I decided to come home, and at first, it was hard because I did not see myself returning to Metro Detroit as I had left for a fresh start. While we were all sitting at home longing for social connection, I came up with the idea of hosting dinner parties. With most restaurants closed for indoor dining, I decided I would try hosting a private dinner party for those who wanted fine dining and restaurant-quality food and service. In August of 2020, I hosted a 4-course private party in Royal Oak inside of a friend’s event space. The menu included a seasonal salad, crab cakes, and a leg of lamb over risotto for main course. I have several friends who are pastry chefs, so I brought in my friend Dana who had also started a dessert business around the same time it was important for me to have her be a part of this new venture because we worked at Whole Foods together, true full circle moment. Service that night was a total success, and I went on to host 6 more private parties inside the pandemic, each selling out faster than the last. But all good things must come to an end; by the spring of 2021, things began to open, and restrictions were lifted. So, I put a pause on the private parties and took a step in another direction in the way of doing pop-ups at different businesses that did not have a food option. I ended up striking a partnership with Two James Spirits in Corktown Detroit off Michigan Avenue; for the better part of the past two years, I have ran a pop-up inside of the distillery on Friday and Saturday nights. Selling my signature baked 3 cheese macaroni that is known as “Crack Mac,” along with a mixture of other elevated bar food items like buttermilk chicken tenders with homemade sauces and tacos. Inside of these past 4 years, I’ve had the pleasure of catering cooperate luncheons, private dining in homes, weddings, baby showers, and graduation parties for people all over the metro Detroit area. 

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?
Being an entrepreneur and small business owner is not for the faint-hearted; I’ve had weeks and months that were very successful, and I’ve had times where business was very slow and non-existent. During that time, when things began to open back up, and I was not sure how I could take scale my business further, it took me some time to decide if doing pop-ups was a good idea. The thought of preparing food and not knowing if it would sell was scary, especially when spending your own money. But through trial and error and continuous learning, I am forever evolving. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Groves Kreations LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Groves Kreations is a catering service that offers food services for all celebrations and occasions; we specialize in traditional comfort foods and upscale fine dining with explosive flavor profiles. Our most popular selling item is our “Crack Mac,” which is Chefs 3 cheese baked macaroni often paired with lobster, BBQ pulled pork or chicken. Were known for catering and preparing quality food, no matter the location. I believe what sets us apart from other catering services is the personal connection we make with all of our clients; whether your party size is two people or 200 people or if it’s your first time doing business with us, you will see the passion behind our customer service and satisfaction. The thing I am most proud of about my brand is the recognition I receive from returning customers, people look for us, and at any point we take hiatus, it felt. One thing your readers should know about us is we look forward to making memorable dining experiences for you and your guests no matter the occasion! With spring and summer on the horizon, our books are open, and we are available and look forward to serving you and your guests. You can reach out for menu consultations and creation and see all menus posted for pop-ups on our Instagram @Chef_JordanGroves @Groves_Kreations or Facebook @Groves Kreations 

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Passion and honesty truly keep me going, I have had dealings with several business owners and clients, and though not all deals made work out for both parties every time, I believe that keeping good faith and doing right by people has kept me successful and moving forward with my dreams. 

Pricing:

• Private dining packages start at $200
• Catering pricing based on menu selection.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef_jordangroves/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grovesj92
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-groves-457802172/

Image Credits
Ben Agosta
Jordan Groves
Jacob Carter