Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Williams
Hi Larry, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello, my name is Larry Williams Jr. I am the owner of Chef Larry and family catering as well as part owner of KidzBitez. I’m a husband to my beautiful wife of 2 years Trelissa Williams. I am a father of six kids and I have six grandkids. I’m a deacon in the church as well as Youth Leader and mentor, third vice chair of the Community Advisory Board and chair of the Brownsville Community Board. I worked for Amtrak for 13 years before starting my career as a full-time black entrepreneur in 2009. My passion for cooking stemmed from my dad Larry Williams Sr., a true beacon one of the first black food truck owners in Liberty City. Generally, I started out cooking at festivals, parks in the community, family events and numerous charities. The Vernon Carey Foundation, Rotary Club of Weston and Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church became top clients of my career. I’ve cooked for celebrities like Dwayne Wade, Shaquille O’ Neal, Vernon Carey, Alonzo Mourning and Glen Rice. One of my biggest accolades was being invited to cater Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium. As a family oriented organization I’m currently in business with my two brothers which Todd Williams and Travis Williams and also my two daughters Tanasia Williams and Ta’Niya Williams. There’s often a stigma that family businesses can’t thrive. We’ve learned to separate business from personal, working together to create a successful work environment. We’re enjoying each other company as family and creating generational wealth.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a black owned business we’ve faced many obstacles and challenges. Two of our biggest challenges were stereotypes and the pandemic. Because of bad experiences with past business clients don’t usually trust the skills and professionalism we have to offer. W e cater events, weddings, birthday parties, family, reunions banquets we do it all. To overcome these challenges we provide great quality food and emphasize the importance of customer excellence within our company. As a business owner the pandemic was by far another major obstacle. Durning the COVID-19 pandemic all operations we’re completely ceased, which means no income being generated. As a result, I had to take a job at Publix as a stock clerk, as well as working at Miami Dade County Public Schools providing janitorial services. This was just enough to allow me to stay afloat and continue to support my family through a global crisis.
As you know, we’re big fans of Chef Larry & Family Catering . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Chef Larry & Family Catering offers traditional Southern cuisine and Barbecue. As a business owner you acquire many roles. I am the cashier, accountant, inventory clerk, cook, quality control specialist, delivery driver and dishwasher. I’ve mastered every aspect of my business and I would not change a thing. Honing all these skills allowed me become the successful owner I am today. I love entertaining and making sure that my customers have the best experience when they leave from eating at our food truck or our catering services. Our business thrives on referrals from previous customers referring us to new customers in mention of our delicious cheesy macaroni, sweet yams, savory mixed greens and tasty sticky barbecued ribs.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was raised in Liberty City and Miami Dade, FL one of the toughest neighborhoods by my two parents. My dad worked at Amtrak as a baggage handler and my mom was a private duty LPN nurse. I went to Santa Clara Elementary, Allapattah Junior High and graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior Highschool. I had my first child when I was 17. Growing up in Liberty City was a challenge it was easier to make the wrong decisions that had a negative impact on my life. But with the help of my support system I was able to redirect my path. No matter how many mistakes I made, my parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles embraced me with love. It takes a village to raise young black men in Miami Dade County. In 2023 I took the worst hit of my life. In January, my oldest son’s heart was beating at 20% suggesting severe heart failure. In April, 2023 my mom passed of cancer. In May, my younger son was a victim of gun violence, that was the worst times of my life and one of the darkest time of my life. But through my faith, trust and belief in God, I was able to overcome and that’s why I give back to the youth in my community because someone gave to me. These experiences both good and bad molded me into the strong leader I am today.
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