(Reporter) What type of business is Soul food?
(Adi)
Soul food is private catering to businesses and local and private events. I mainly specialize in African Caribbean and Caribbean food but if a client requests a certain type of food I can also accommodate that as I previously worked as a chef for a lot of well-known hotels.
(Reporter) How long have you been trading.
(Adi)
I’ve been trading for 6 years now.
(Reporter) What inspired you to set up a business in catering?
(Adi)
I remember as I child my mum used to run her own catering company in Gambia. I used to sit around for hours watching her cook amazing dishes, and the aromas and smells that used to travel from the kitchen were amazing
My mum was gifted with this skills and she passed on her knowledge and her gift over to me.
I made sure I gained the experience and knowledge of working as a chef in the industry before I decided to start-up my own business.
(Reporter) So did your mum teach you how to cook traditional dishes?
(Adi)
I shared with my mum my vision to set up an African and Caribbean catering company, and explained my experience in cooking other foods from around the world but not Gambian.
When my mum came over to England in 1998 we spent a lot of our time in the kitchen making authentic Gambian cuisines.
(Reporter) What special events have you catered for so far?
(Adi)
Mmmm! Were shall I start I’ve catered for the Abolition Common wealth event put on for the lord mare of Leeds.
I’ve been doing AGM meetings for housing associations for the past 7 years, and also cater for various departments within social Services.
I’ve done up to 30 different weddings in Leeds for up to 400 people.
And I’ve also catered for big functions for West Yorkshire Police and Leeds probation Services for up to 300 people.
(Reporter)Throughout the years of trading have you received any awards?
(Adi)
Yes, in 2003 I received the Young black Achievers Award at Leeds town hall.
(Reporter) How do you promote your services?
(Adi)
I’ve mainly got all of my business through word of mouth. When I normally cater for big functions and people taste my food they normally either recommend me to their business partners or family members.
(Reporter) How many events do you normally cater for on a weekly basis?
(Adi)
Approximately 4 events per week.
(Reporter)Tell me more about the team you work with?
(Adi)
They’re amazing!
My team consists of 4 chefs/waitresses whom I have taken on board and trained to become experts in the industry.
(Reporter)What are your plans for the future?
(Adi)
At present I’m looking for a factory unit to further develop my sauces and drinks. I would also like to have a line of my products in supermarkets this is something I’m looking into at the moment.
Wendy Smith
‘ When Addi originally came to the Catalyst, he came as a referral from another client.’
‘He was running a catering company and was branching out to create his own sauces, juices and food recipes, which he had passed and tested at a lab but didn’t have the know how, how to transport what he had into the manufacturing industry.’
‘Since being involved with the Catalyst he has become more involved with the Leeds Chamber Advisors including Sharing the Success. Through the help and support he has received, he has now secured a unit to transport his sauces into labeled jars.’
‘He’s also been getting a lot of new recommendations through word of mouth.’
‘One thing I also want to highlight is Adi’s Soul Food banner includes flags from around the world because he can create any cuisine to suit any palate requested.’
