Today we’d like to introduce you to Phillip Alexander III.
Hi Phillip, 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.
I began my journey towards where I am today when my family and I relocated from Michigan to Cypress in 2014. Initially, I served as a ministry leader in a local church, which allowed me to connect with the community and develop my leadership skills. However, my true passion lies in cooking and creating delicious meals.
In 2019, I took a leap of faith and decided to pursue my dream by launching my own restaurant, Baby Jr. Coney Island, named after my late father. It was an exciting and challenging endeavor, especially because I was self-funded and relatively unknown in the Houston area at the time. My wife, Andrianna, whom I’ve been married to for almost 13 years, has been my biggest cheerleader and advisor throughout this journey.
Unfortunately, with the onset of the pandemic, we had to make the difficult decision to suspend operations in April 2020. However, during this time of uncertainty, I turned to cooking meals and sharing videos on Facebook with my son, “Lil” Phil Alexander, under the name Phil’s Table. It was an unexpected turn of events, but it allowed us to connect with a small following not just in the United States but also in Canada and Europe. These videos became an outlet for us to share our love for cooking, engage with people, and spend quality time together. Both my son and I are huge extroverts, and this creative outlet brought us joy during a challenging period.
However, my passion for cooking traces back to my childhood in Detroit. I have fond memories of standing on a chair, wiggling the bag of chicken, and shaking it with Shake ‘n Bake seasoning. Even as a teenager, I took on the responsibility of preparing a full Thanksgiving dinner. The moments that truly resonate with me are the times spent with my grandmother, standing by her side as we made biscuits together or cooking “happy burgers” for my dad. My mom also played a significant role in nurturing my culinary skills by teaching me how to fry my first piece of fish.
These experiences and cherished memories, along with the unwavering support of my wife, Andrianna, have shaped me into the passionate and dedicated cook I am today. They fuel my determination to continue pursuing my culinary dreams and connect with people through the love of food.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ha Ha, the journey has been far from smooth, marked by various struggles and obstacles that have tested my resolve. Moving to a new place where we were unknown was a daunting challenge, requiring us to build a support system from scratch. However, my wife, Andrianna, and I embraced this by inviting people to share a meal at our table, forging meaningful connections along the way. It’s amazing how fast you can find common ground when your walls are down, and forks are up.
Rising food costs, the pandemic, and the delicate balance between family and ambitions also presented difficulties. Adapting to these external challenges required resilience, creativity, and constant reassessment.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Phil’s Table?
Phil’s Table is a catering service based in Cypress, TX. Our expertise lies in providing exceptional full-service and self-serve buffet experiences. We take pride in our diverse menu offerings, which include mouthwatering dishes like Brisket Tostadas, Sweet Potato Biscuits, Burger Bars, and Bacon Serrano Mac & Cheese. What sets us apart is our commitment to creating unforgettable dining moments that evoke the priceless feeling of sharing a meal with loved ones.
At Phil’s Table, we understand that each event and client is unique. That’s why we offer custom-designed menus tailored to meet specific needs and preferences. Our goal is to craft an unforgettable meal that leaves a lasting impression on guests. Furthermore, we are excited to announce that later this year, we will relaunch our cooking videos, inspiring others to take charge in the kitchen and prepare meals that not only satisfy their hunger but also warm the soul.
We want our readers to know that Phil’s Table is not just a catering service; it’s a brand that believes in the power of food to bring people together. With our exceptional offerings, attention to detail, and dedication to creating memorable dining experiences, we strive to exceed expectations.
Update on “Lil” Phil Alexander
I must tell you about the other half of Phil’s Table. My son, Lil Phil… Although he doesn’t have the time to get in the kitchen every week, Lil Phil still enjoys baking. Phil makes his own money by baking cookies and muffins for garage sales and other events. He uses the money to fund his gaming YouTube videos. He does all of this while maintaining honor roll and several extracurricular activities. We are extremely proud of him.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The COVID-19 crisis was a real eye-opener, and it’s taught me some important lessons that I think are worth sharing. One of the biggest takeaways for me has been the importance of being adaptable. I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it was for many businesses to adjust to the new circumstances, and it really emphasized the need to have flexibility and agility in my plans for future ventures. I’ve learned to stay proactive, keep my finger on the pulse of various information sources, and use that knowledge to make informed decisions based on emerging trends and forecasts.
Another lesson that hit home for me is the power of storytelling and the impact of social media. It’s not just about serving delicious food; it’s also about sharing the story behind Phil’s Table. I’ve realized that customers are more than just consumers – they want to be part of something meaningful. By connecting with them through social media and sharing our brand’s journey, we’ve been able to foster a sense of loyalty and create a real community around what we do.
Let me share a heartwarming story about one of our incredible customers, MISSY, from Cypress. It all started when she discovered one of my Facebook posts and reached out for help in planning a small birthday party. Little did I know that this initial connection would lead to a deep friendship and countless opportunities. Missy’s unwavering support and trust in our brand have allowed us to organize a large community cookout for her HOA and opened doors to many other exciting ventures. She has truly become a great friend to us, and we are grateful for her ongoing support.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @philstable
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhilsTable
