Today we’d like to introduce you to Lionel Flores Jr.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My passions have always been science, cooking, and entertaining. From a young age, I was always inspired by my parents. My father was a great chef and my mother’s charisma can fill any room. They were the ones who showed me how powerful and moving a great party can be for the guests. I started cooking by myself when I was 11 years old. When I turned 16, I had the opportunity to work at an authentic Italian restaurant. I was mentored by owners and chefs who each managed 5 star restaurants in New York. I came to Houston in 2009 to pursue a degree in Physics. I got experience in theoretical laboratories and worked as a programmer/technical salesman for an engineering group specializing with point-of-sale systems. Ultimately, I knew programming and sales were not self-fulfilling, so I decided to pursue my passion as a personal chef and turn it into a career.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Transitioning from an introverted scientist/engineer to an entrepreneur has been anything but smooth. I knew little next to nothing about business or how to find enough clients to keep myself from moving back in with my parents. I basically learned as I went. One of the most challenging obstacles was gaining the confidence to sell my services to random people and be witty and entertaining to people when I cook for them. To do this, I started participating in comedy open-mics all around town. I never got a deal with Netflix but it helped me improve my personable skills.
F.B. Chefs – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
F.B. Chefs provides top of the line personal chefs and bartenders to your home. Our chefs prep, cook, serve and clean everything in front of you and your guests. We are entertaining, knowledgeable, and professional at what we do. As the founder of F.B. Chefs, I am most proud about the fact that we use local ranchers, fisherman, and farms to get our ingredients. We try our best to support local businesses because we are one. We have been awarded best personal chef in Houston 3 years running.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I define success as being able to do what you love as a career and providing that same feeling to other people. I know I am on the right track to success when I am helping people I work with build their own dream into a career for themselves and others.
Pricing:
- For dinners of 1-5 people the pricing is 275 + ingredient cost
- For dinners of 6 and more the cost of 60-130 per person.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fbchefs.com
- Phone: 361 779 4928
- Email: reservations@fbchefs.com
- Instagram: @fbchefs
- Facebook: @privchef
- Yelp: F.B. Chefs
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
