Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Francois.
Ali, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2011, I enrolled in culinary school after an attempt to make it in the music industry didn’t go as planned. Once enrolled, I put everything into becoming a successful chef. In 2012, I earned my degree from Le Cordon Bleu and have since become an established personal and executive chef. My passion for preparing personalized dining experiences and catering to clients specified needs has provided opportunities to work with some of South Florida’s most predominant star power, including Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler for whom I am the current personal chef for.
Right after I received my degree in 2012, I got acquainted with Chef Richard Ingraham (Personal Chef of Dwyane Wade) via Instagram and that meeting led to me being one of the first chefs to sign on to his company of private chefs. My exposure to private events such as Walmart Thanksgiving Campaign, HennessyUS Ambassadors party, and Chefs for Obama Campaign event further developed my skills for serving top-class clientele. Over the years, I served as a private chef to NBA, NFL, and MLB athletes. I have also had the pleasure of being the go-to Chef for Professional Tennis Player Novak Djokovic for the past four years when he plays in the ATP Miami Open.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely was not a smooth road. In 2010, a year before I began my culinary journey, my father, who was also a Chef, passed away. That was the toughest year of my life. I was 22 and just coasting and chasing my music dreams. When he passed, everything changed. I battled with depression for a year and a half and I was forced to shift gears. I never dreamed of becoming a Chef. In fact, my father didn’t want me to take after his profession when I was a kid because he didn’t want me to be a follower so to speak. He said, “find your own thing.” A year after his passing, I find myself enrolled in culinary school on a whim. I like to think that he’s been steering the ship of my culinary journey. I had no idea what would come out of me going to culinary school but one thing about me is, if I say I’m going to do something, I’m going all in.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
For the past 8-9 years, I’ve worked hard to build my brand and my name as a prominent private chef in South Florida and I like to think I’ve done that. I mainly cook for high-profile athletes and celebrities but I also love providing my services to anyone who wants private chef services when I can. It’s not just about the food. It’s about the experience. Once I walk in, you don’t have to worry about anything. I prep, I cook, and I clean. I do my best to make sure I cater to each client’s specific needs. Whether you are Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, or just a Meat Lover, you will get a fine dining experience from me.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My personal definition of success is a gradual growth in your profession. Basically a started from the bottom now we here type of situation lol. I literally started from the bottom. I started working in a restaurant as a host. I sat people down to eat for a living. Fast forward nine years later, I’m the personal chef for one of the top players in the NBA. If you want to be successful, you have to push yourself every single day no matter what obstacles you may come across. Your life may not be where you want it today but that doesn’t mean you can’t get there tomorrow. Keep pushing.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @ChefBoyAli305
- Twitter: @ChefBoyAli305
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