Today we’d like to introduce you to James Minor.
Hi James, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
After having over 15 years in sales and customer service, I hit a crossroad in my life and wasn’t sure where I wanted to go next but I know I needed something different, something new. I talked to coworkers and friends about a new direction but still had no idea what to do. I asked God to direct me & that I could do something that was more pleasing in his eye sight.
As I approached 3 years as a well paid insurance agent for a major company, Covid hit our country and changed life as we know it. I started to see things that I didn’t like with my current company so I started to work with my long time friend of almost 20 years, with his catering company.
I started off just helping setup the pop up food stand at events and help with plating while there, then for my friend to offer me a position working on my own with my own venue & equipment. It was at that moment almost 4 years ago this summer that I became part of the Flavorkingsla brand and now I currently run the west coast branch & he runs the east coast!!!!
With the recent fires in the city of Altadena, I packed up my equipment & volunteered to help the fire victims and families by cooking/donating meals at various churches and resource centers
in the Pasadena/altadena areas
Flavorkingsla has LA in the name for a reason because we have been a staple in the city for going on 8 years but with the recent work in the fire relief, we are more connected to the community more than ever. We are more than a name but a taste & experience
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?
Running a business will always have its ups & downs & depending on the industry you are in, there can be obstacles outside of your control that can make things smooth or rough. With food the economy & price of goods will drastically affect your business on what you can charge & what your price point is in order for you to be successful
Outside of economics, the only other struggles or obstacles would be various cities or venues and restrictions on onsite food and food preparation
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Flavorkingsla Street Food Kings, LLC?
Flavorkingsla is a unique brand of food known for our tacos and unique flavors & sauces. After 5+ years in Los Angeles & surrounding areas, we are now going on year three in New York City, mainly in the Brooklyn area.
Flavorkingsla is known for our Caribbean influence on how our tacos are prepared and served, from our jerk chicken tacos to our Cajun shrimp. We mix our LA culture with Caribbean style tacos. And anyone that has had our food knows, you’ll smell us before you see us
Some of the most important thing I have learned & found from this brand is the pure, organic love we get from what we’ve done in this city. When clients call me for all their catering needs, then share my contact with friends and family and they become repeat customers, is the most gratifying feeling above all. When I work the night clubs & people come by and tell me the best part of the night is when they come get food from me, keeps me motivated from day to day.
What I want people to take from my story is like the old saying goes “it’s not how you start but how you finish” for sure and never be afraid of change because you definitely might like the new chapter. Cooking is an art, no different from Picasso & his brush. And when you’re cooking you are creating art & customers can taste how much you love/enjoy your craft. So when I prepare, when I cook even when I plate the food, I’m doing it as if I’m making a dish on an award winning tv show
What was your favorite childhood memory?
There were so many good memories from my childhood but to pick one, I would say winning my first spelling bee in elementary school
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @flavorkingace
- Twitter: @JsAboutBusiness
