We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Penright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I knew that I wanted to be successful and wealthy, and I realized that working for someone else would not make that happen for me. So, I knew I would need to go out on my own and make the kind of money that I wanted to make by betting on myself.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The beginning of my career started with resident events, catering for high rise apartments and condominiums, before I was selected to work with the Houston Dynamo Soccer Club. When 2020 came, and in the wake of COVID-19 almost completely shutting down the food industry and public gathering, I was forced to get creative in order to keep my business afloat. During that time, I worked with Houston Meal Prep as their Executive Chef, providing a myriad of meals to customers all over Houston. It was also at that time when I started writing my book, Executive Dishwasher 360 Degrees of Culinary, with my co-author. Unfortunately, my time with Houston Meal Prep was cut short as I was forced to shut down due to Barvin Group Apartment Management Company allowing the roof of my commercial kitchen to decay to the point that the Houston Health Department shut me down. With this new hand I was dealt, I had to re-invent myself again. I learned the value in remaining flexible, in being my own brand, and ultimately how important it is for me to own my own building – that way crappy landlords won’t have the power to put me out of business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a huge fan of the Museum District here in town, and always recommend that anyone who visits the city take some time to spend in the area. There are also some amazing food spots, and always something to do. Aside from that, I would also encourage them to check out any music artists that are in town – especially the symphony.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Being a third-generation chef, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for my father and his father before him. I also credit my training and background in professional cooking to The Culinary Institute of Le Notre, where I graduated as Summa Cum Laude. Along the way, I received incredible training under some of the world’s best professional chefs, and I credit them all in my book Executive Dishwasher 360 Degrees of Culinary.

Website: www.chefpenright.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef.penright/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.penright

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRYI3BOKacpRNIA-m2t7vTw

Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefpenright

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