Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Davis, III.
Joseph, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hello beautiful people! My name is Joseph and I was born in Long Beach and raised in LA. I’ve always had a passion for cooking as it is very therapeutic for me and I love to eat! I can remember as a child always watching my Dad cook while standing in the doorway just soaking it up or trying to be a taste tester whenever my Mom cooked helping me learn different flavors.
One of my favorite shows as a kid was Iron Chef. Over the years at different job potlucks and various events, I would cook at and people would compliment me on my food and tell me I should try to sell my services. I was my own worst enemy and critic constantly doubting myself and never gave me a shot. Top that with financial hardships, family health issues and being homeless for four years trying to balance multiple jobs/gigs just to stay afloat, I was almost at my ends with the body shots life was giving me. It wasn’t until a series of events leading up to the beginning of 2019 that made me shift my paradigm of how I thought, how I moved and helped me realign my walk and deeper my relationship with Jesus Christ in a way as I used to as a child but now with intent and purpose. I was able to find my passion while being able to profit from that same endeavor and in April of 2019, I launched my business “Macaroni Joe wit’ a lil mo”, a southern cuisine classic with a twist! I offer delectable baked macaroni and cheese with your choice or not of protein or veggies made in my own homemade yellow or white cheese sauce. I also offer catering or personal ordered options.
In October of 2019, my first annual “Mac&Moet” event, where guests got an opportunity to meet and greet the chef and CEO myself, and enjoy music, entertainment and different variations of unlimited mac which turned out to be a wonderful time. As of last April, that marked my first full year of being in business and I won’t lie it’s been a rollercoaster ride from having sale after sale to it being dry as the Sahara desert, but I’m appreciative to the journey and thankful for the growth it has exuded. I have aspirations of opening my own restaurant God willing after I’m able to obtain my food truck in the process. I’m thankful and appreciative of all who have supported me not just financially but emotionally and spiritually as well. I’m sincerely thankful for every client and I can’t wait for an opportunity to serve you!
Has it been a smooth road?
There’s definitely been some bumps in the road. Being homeless for four years sleeping in parks, trains when I had to. Court cases for slum lord managers, grand theft and violent roommates. Dealing with financial hardships, family health issues and close deaths really took an emotional toll on me.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
At “Macaroni joe wit’ a lil mo’” I specialize in a variation of baked macaroni and cheese with my signature homemade yellow or white cheese sauce having protein or veggies inside! I also offer various sides such as my famous cornbread, southern style green beans, garlic parmesan asparagus and more. What separates me from the pack is not only the quality of taste in my ingredients but my prices are favorable to the consumer than the competition! Happy bellies is a goal I definitely strive for so don’t be stingy to your tastebuds this is an adventure you’d want to test drive!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like our city definitely is a great place for a business like mine because being community-based brings a different cache. It allows you to get a sense of feel for the community and how the people vibe in that community. If someone were just starting out is tell them that it is getting expensive but the city has a lot of hidden gems and a rich history with a lively community and whole lot of opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: jswd387.wixsite.com/macaronijoewitalilmo
- Phone: (323)378-0235
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @_macaronijoe_
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