Today we’d like to introduce you to Louis Ray Rogers.
Louis, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a veteran of the U.S. Navy and have been all over the map, which has helped inspire the creation of some of my fantastic menus. I have been an executive chef and caterer since 2006, working in the Houston Heights area, cooking for places such as the Alley Theater and the Houston Symphony.
I have prepared food for masses of youth as well, working as executive chef for the world-known summer camp (M.T.C.) Maine Teen Camp. My work has been featured in magazines and publications such as Houston’s “Hater Magazine” which shows how to eat healthy on a budget to “Penn Live” and “The Burg” from Pennsylvania, for my work while he was executive chef of (HMAC) Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center, serving up Pennsylvania preferred and Southern-inspired fast-casual, chef-prepared meals including best onion rings. After moving back to Houston, I kicked cancers butt, and I am thriving by being a positive cancer survivor.
I am part of the LGBT community and part of E.R.S.I.C.S.S. (The Empire of the Royal, Sovereign, and Imperial Court of the Single Star), a 501c3 non-profit organization that gives back to the community. I am also the co-head chef of a significant LGBT resort-summer destination (10 days in August) with “Camp Camp” in Maine.
All of this is now put into my new catering company, Devour Houston Catering. Look out Houston; you are about to be Devoured!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In late 2016, I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and had to have reconstructive surgery on my lower right leg. I was out of work for about six months during the initial recovery time and was on the mend when I caught a strain of strep in my foot. That sent me back into the hospital for another week. I have so many people to thank during that time in my life. The men and women at M.D. Anderson are the best in the world, and I couldn’t have done it without them.
During Hurricane Harvey, my team and I were part of the crew that helped feed all the men and women at Transtar at that time. I hadn’t completely recovered at the time, but we managed to feed around 300 people three times a day,
Please tell us about Devour Houston Catering.
Our company was founded when two of my friends and I decided to tackle the catering industry. We have a passion for creating new dishes that are inspired by our collective history and knowledge.
We do everything from Americana to fusion dishes from all around the world. Some of our favorites are African, Asian, and Indian. We are a boutique caterer; we can fashion our menus to anyone’s liking.
One of my proudest moments was being announced as the Alley Theater’s preferred caterer and having the opportunity to cater the Be Strong dinner a national no-bullying campaign.
Our personal touches and family-focused relationships with our clients makes us stand out.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Some of my favorite memories are of the Halloween block parties we use to have when I was growing up. Everyone use to come over to my family’s house and bring different dishes for the pot-luck and come together as a community.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3223 Houston Ave
Houston, TX 77009 - Website: www.devourhoustoncatering.com
- Phone: 832-893-0674
- Email: louis@devourhoustoncatering.com
- Instagram: @devourhoustoncatering
- Facebook: @devourhoustoncatering
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
