Today we’d like to introduce you to Efrem Johnson.
Hi Efrem, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi readers of Voyage Houston, my name is Efrem Z. Johnson and I am blessed and very thankful for this opportunity. I truly appreciate it! My story begins in Cleveland, Ohio where I first developed my knack for serving food. It’s always been in my DNA. I loved watching my grandmother Mrs. Lillie Johnson cook in our kitchen, especially when she prepared her famous fried chicken wings, that were always seasoned to perfection! From watching my granny, she inspired me to be just as she was! I couldn’t get enough of her wings, and neither could anyone else who ever tasted them. My father was also very influential in my growth as an entrepreneur, as he was the sole owner of a shoe store and always encouraged me to do for myself, and taught me the discipline to do so. I am forever grateful. With the wisdom that I attained from both my father and my granny, I was set to make waves out on my own, however life has a funny way of steering you to the right path. It has not always been a bed of roses for me. In my youth, I made some bad choices, which resulted in me serving prison time for 10 years of my life. Fortunately I was able to learn from that experience and take the positives from my youth and make something of them. Once I was released from prison, I vowed to be a better person. and not return to such a destructive lifestyle. I was on my way to becoming the man I was raised to be. Turning my life around, and using the tools that my granny and my parents instilled in me, I purchased my first restaurant called “Rib City”. We catered to all of the corporate downtown businesses in Cleveland for lunch and dinner, as well as several celebrity VIP parties. In turn, I was introduced to many well-known and well connected people in my community. As a result, a record company executive invited me out to Texas, as he felt that bringing my unique flavor would be beneficial to the open market there. I ran this idea by Rich Paul, who is the Owner and Founder of Klutch Sports, as well as the agent and good friend of Lebron James. After some careful thought and consideration, I heeded the call and came to Texas to start building up my clientele and network. Along the way I have met many celebrities, who have helped pave the way for my future with my business, and I have also been featured in a number of their music videos! When Hurricane Harvey hit, I worked the Relief Concert with my Cleveland homies “Bone Thugs and Harmony”. Krayzie Bone then invited me to do his radio show in Hollywood, where I met and catered for several actors and stars that also helped me get a name for myself while out there. I did events all over California until I ran out of materials and supplies, which in turn forced me to return to Texas. Now that the pandemic has subsided, I am ready to regroup and start over again, rebuilding my brand and finishing where I left off.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Biggest challenge for me was acquiring supplies, securing locations and staffing. As a sole entrepreneur sometimes it is difficult for others to see your vision as you do.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My fondest childhood memory growing up was my father’s shoe and repair shop, where I witnessed my father lay the foundation down for me to become the Business Owner/Entrepreneur that I have become today. I am forever appreciative of what he taught me and where it has gotten me so far. I know he would be proud.
Contact Info:
- Email: Efremzj53@gmail.com
- Instagram: TeesWingsMobile
- Facebook: Tee’s Wings
Image Credits
Efrem johnson
