My Story

Hey food fam, I’m grateful y’all are dining with us. Some call this food Soul Food, some call it Southern. Whatever terminology you like is fine with us because it has the same origin. A lot of the food on this menu has history steeped in the southern states during slavery. During these times slaves used ingredients from Africa and America to create dishes that were unique and flavorful. When the African slaves were freed they passed on these culinary methods and traditions to their kids who passed it on to their kids and so forth. My tough as nails grandmother raised 10 kids on this food as a single mother in the projects of Chicago. I was also born in Chicago and often moved back and forth from there to Utah a large part of my life. Whenever I moved I always stayed in homeless shelters, with relatives, foster care, crack houses and the like.

Food was always scarce wherever I lived so when I got the chance to eat it, I ate it with appreciation and humility. Whenever I got the chance to cook it, I did my best to give it the respect it deserved! I always noticed that people are often at their happiest when they’re eating good food; showing love and appreciation for what they’re eating. Seeing the happiness food brought people made me want to be good at cooking so I could provide and share in the happiness with them. Whenever my grandmother or aunts were cooking if I was around, in the kitchen is where you would find me! Watching, analyzing and taking mental notes of how they made their delicious soul food. When they would let me help I would, when I would ask various questions they would answer. I became a sponge, soaking up everything I could from them involving cooking!

Growing up around poverty, drugs, violence and sadness taught me a lot about myself and what not to do in life. I decided since drugs were always around me why not try to turn them into something positive. I made it my goal to become a pharmacist. After becoming a pharmacy technician and before preparing for pharmacy school I realized that obtaining a career just for monetary gain wouldn’t bring me happiness. I needed to focus on a career that would make me happy and allow me to make others happy. I directed my focus to culinary school! I graduated top of the class with a perfect gpa and with my Associates degree in Culinary Arts. I soon started working in any kitchen I could to gain experience and knowledge. After working in different restaurants and honing my passion for sauces, my wife and I decided to open a food truck. It was an Italian inspired menu that served alfredo, pesto, tomato, and cheddar sauces. We ran the truck for 3 years and at that time I knew I needed to grow and expand my culinary horizons.

We contemplated, researched, prayed, and everything else to give us a confirmation that opening a brick and mortar was the right move for our family, so off we went! As I thought about potential menus I remembered back to when I was watching my grandmother and my aunts and the delicious soul food that I watched them make as a child. The food that would often be the only meal I had in a day. I used my skills as a chef to recreate the recipes that I grew up with. I tried and failed many times but didn’t give up until I tasted nostalgia! Next we found this beautiful location and got to work. Through all the stress, anxiety and doubts we found the strength, courage and faith to do our best. Combined with the sacrifice and help of friends and family we created Sauce Boss Southern Kitchen!

Along with this restaurant I’m a proud husband and father of 6. To stay busy during the pandemic I published my autobiography that further details my arduous journey. I’ve also published children’s books and a self coaching book I hope to one day use to help others who struggle with trauma. I promise that I will continue to use my passion for cooking and creating sauces to showcase my soul food. A style of cooking passed down through generations from those who had nothing else to pass down to their descendants. And with this food I hope to please you and other guests around, connecting us and bringing much needed smiles to all of our faces!