Rising Stars: Meet Cordaro Davis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cordaro Davis.

Hi Cordaro, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Cordaro Davis, Chef and owner of Cordaro’s Pizza, located in Inglewood, CA. But let’s start from the beginning. I would have to say that it all started when I was about 5 or 6 years old. In the kitchen, on the hip of my Grandmother (Patricia), inquiring about what is what and how does it work. Or admiring and imitating my Father (Ronnie) while he was at work. My father was a Chef in the US Army, where he retired as a Sergeant Major of the US Army, serving 22 years for our country. Many say that I get it naturally from my father, especially my style, passion, charisma and charm. “Food is Fun, but serious fun” as my father would say, and not only do I enjoy cooking, but I love to serve. In fact, it’s a pleasure to serve! Over the years, I’ve used my skills in the kitchen as a vessel to meet people, build relationships and create partnerships. In 2014, my last semester in Graduate School, I came out to Los Angeles for a Film Production Internship. While on set, I met my best friend Jeremy McBryde (Co-Owner of Comfort LA).

In 2015, Jeremy McBryde and his Partner Mark Walker launched Comfort LA in Downtown Los Angeles, and I was honored to be a part of the team. Even though I’ve been cooking most of my life, I never jumped out to start or launch my own concept, which I’ve always wanted to do. So, to have the opportunity to learn from these great brothers was a blessing, and I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity! Now, I’ve always loved pizza! One of my favorite past times was making pizza with my father when I was younger, which was also a favorite dish/activity to do with my daughter when she was younger as well. For years, I’ve talked about launching my own pizzeria, and everyone would support the idea, “Go ahead, do it, what you waiting for?” So, June 21st, 2020 (Father’s Day) in the midst of COVID, I decided to take the leap and Launched “Cordaro’s Pizza” and haven’t looked back since.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been a little bumpy, but no complaints though. The journey is uphill, but I’m climbing slow and steady. I already knew how to make homemade pizza sauce, but, I’ve never made dough in my life, I would always buy the premade dough in the grocery store and just go crazy with the toppings and cheese. So I was sourcing my dough from a local bakery, and let me tell you, the struggle was real! My first pizza looked like a real-life Spaceship! LOL and my good friend Krystyl (Lot XI) has the picture to prove it. But the flavors were on point, so I knew I had something, I just needed to practice. And what better way to practice, then on your friends, so the bro’s Jeremy & EZ came through to help me brainstorm and get my concept and menu together.

Now COVID has affected everyone and every business, especially manufacturing. Restaurants and food vendors have been one of the biggest industries affected by the pandemic due to price gouging, halted manufacturing, health regulations, etc. Dough was getting more expensive, limited supplies on the shelves, pizza boxes on backorder. But just like everything else in life, I embrace it and keep moving forward, taking all the bumps along the way. And when you do that, helps finds you! Both friends and people in the local community have donated pizza supplies, PPE, their time helping me make pizzas, and making my own pizza dough (S/o to Chef Joe from Pizza Skule). So now at Cordaro’s Pizza, our ingredients are fresh & authentic.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a Creative Director, a Chef, a Business Consultant, I write (music & film), act & produce. I’m pretty much a walking think tank. I own and operate Cordaro’s Pizza, 2453 (Production company), and my newest venture that I’m bringing to market soon called “The Crossroads LA”. I grew up in the family business (Davis & Sons Tax Service) in Washington, DC, that has been serving the community for over 38 years. Learning critical thinking skills, customer service, accounting, and tax law. My specialty is service, and it’s a pleasure to serve others. I’m most known for my cooking, charm & sense of humor, which is why I go by the moniker “Sexy Chef” while I’m in the kitchen. I’m also known for my creativity and resourcefulness. I know how to get in where I fit in and get the job done, no matter the tasks. In all honesty, I’m most proud of being a father to my daughter Jordyn, my pride and joy. There’s nothing in this world that I love more than her, and she’s my greatest creation. I believe what sets me apart from others is my optimistic view on life, staying calm under pressure, and my ability to simplify and solve complex problems efficiently.

What were you like growing up?
I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised in Waldorf, MD. Both of my parents are Army Veterans. So I grew up in a disciplined and structured environment, not militant, but love and respect was big in my upbringing. Ma’am and Sir were used when speaking to my elders and the general public. But man!!! I was the life of the party! A big ball of energy and fun. You would and still can find me on the dance floor at any and every event, even in the kitchen. If there’s music playing, I’m grooving. I was either in or hosting all the talent shows from elementary through college, I was a pure entertainer at heart. I grew up playing sports (Basketball & Football), but I was also a nerd, a thespian, I loved to read, play video games, and just create. I was curious about life in general, just as the character “Curious George”, asking questions about everything, lol.

I was cunning & witty. I knew how to use my charm and smile to get myself out of trouble, I was spoiled rotten. But my Dad was always there to keep me on track or straighten me up. I’m grateful for my parents, they allowed me to have an imagination and try a plethora of different things and activities, which allowed me to find my own way and be privy to many things in life. But in the end, it takes a village to raise a child. So I would like to thank a few people for the inspiration and guidance in life; my Grandmothers (Bessie & Patricia), my aunts (Joan, Annette, Lyn, Leona, Stacy, Cheryl), my uncles (Rennie, Floyd, Marlon, Tyrone, Henry, Bradley), Mr. Marc, Ms. Bunny, Dr. Renee Dickens-Callan, my cousin Maurice and my best friends, for over 20 years Adrian, T & Marc. When you see me, you see a reflection of them. I love & thank you all! You are appreciated.

Pricing:

• Keisha $12
• Situationship $14
• Pepper Ann $15
• Tenda Linda $16

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: CordarosPizza.com (Launching Jan. 2021)
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cordaro4u/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CordaroDavis
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cordaro4u
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CordaroMarquis
• Other: https://anchor.fm/15min

Image Credits
Logos: Michael Duncan Pictures: Jeremy McBryde, RJ Walker