Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Arceneaux.
Tara’s Cajun Cooking started officially January 2019. We were selling plates & soon after started the catering side. I’ve been @ my job as Director of Dining Services for eight years. I just knew I needed & wanted more.
Growing up being the youngest grandchildren, standing in the kitchen watching my grandmother, mom, aunts, cousins cook. The entire time it was creating a passion in me, I tasted everything and helped anyway I could cutting up vegetables and stirring the pots. I have been creating flavors since 15 when I made my 1st gumbo that my mom really made lol but was a great experience. I watched my grandmother who pretty much raised my hustle & bustle until she became very ill with the Big C. It motivated me like nothing else could. The flavors in my boil bags, etouffees, gumbo, mac & cheese & many more items are authentic.The Right Spice The Right Price is our main slogan. We uphold that thru every recipe & price point that’s chosen. The reviews are endless & so inspiring. We have over 1,500 followers on Facebook that stay tuned in for our next move. Our plan is to make all food truck menu items affordable while not skipping on portions & flavor.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been by far not the easiest road. 1st it’s illegal to sell plates out of your home so we became so popular that we were shut down by the city and told we have to get a proper location. So, for my husband & I to be working full time jobs the catering was the only thing left until we could get a food truck. We reached out & found a couple locations &/or used food trucks that all fell thru. At one time we were in the process of transferring money over to purchase a used food truck & they sold it from up under us within minutes. You talking about sometimes hubby, kids, & I getting off of work & school & putting in another 5 hrs. for the catering business to stay afloat. The goal was for the catering business to pay for the future. We purchased a brand-new food truck in July 2020.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Tara’s Cajun Cooking & Catering – what should we know?
We run a family operated food business that blessings folks taste buds daily. I created my Boil Bag Sauce last year that has become O so popular. Customers are able to get it with all types of boiled seafood in a bag or pan. We specialize in home cooked food from cajun/creole, soul food, American or Mexican food. I’m so proud to work with my family husband & life partner Terrance, daughter Talise 13 & son Terrance Jr. 10. Cooking is my passion it is in my soul & I knew when I was a little watching my grandmother cook huge pots of food that I would make her proud one day.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Terrance Arceneaux – This guy brings the best out of me, pushes me to almost a fault. He believes & supports my career & passion. My kids & Grandmother (Leotha Boyd)- My biggest inspirations. I know they are proud. Daughter Talise 13 – Prep Princess / Son Terrance Jr. 10- Packaging Prince. In-Laws & Immediate Family- A phone call away for store runs or ideas on new menu items. My taste tester’s & biggest critics. Carriage Inn – stepping Stone. Mary Jordan -$500 Financially support to start in January 2019.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: tarascajuncooking
- Facebook: @tarascajuncookingandcatering
- Other: tarascajuncookn -Snap Chat
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