Today we’d like to introduce you to Donvenia “French” Jackson
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started French Toast Connection while living in Atlanta, looking for a way to earn extra money with my talent for cooking. I had success in Atlanta with catering, pop-up events, festivals and building community surrounding brunch culture.
During COVID, I moved back home to Baltimore (due to my 9-5 job) and decided to continue to build French Toast Connection here. Since returning home, we have continued to expand the brand and pick up momentum with our “French Toasters”, while partnering with local businesses, other food entrepreneurs, and community organizations.
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?
We have certainly faced obstacles. Baltimore is a different climate versus Atlanta.
Coming back was a bit like starting from scratch. While I was born and raised in Baltimore, I had to spend time learning the likes, dislikes and habits of my fellow Baltimoreans. Many people don’t even realize I’m from East Baltimore. This is why I’m so grateful for the support of friends, family, and French Toasters, who have rallied around us and have been amazing cheerleaders for the brand.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
French Toast Connection is a food business anchored by gourmet french toast offerings and brunch accompaniments such as shrimp & grits, crispy bacon, fried chicken…the list goes on and on.
We are known for our delicious food and stellar customer service, while ensuring every client has an amazing experience – hence “connection”. This is what sets us apart and what I’m most proud of.
We have a saying “from strangers to French Toasters to friends”. We’ve had people meet at our events and go on to get married, do business together, or simply connect in way that forms a lasting bond.
All of this is centered around the love of delicious food that happens to be French Toast, an often forgotten breakfast staple.
Many of our French Toast offerings are inspired by people I’ve had deep connections with. For instance, the “Irene’s Honey Dip” French Toast is named after my late grandmother. I thought about the weekends I would spend with her, especially on Sunday mornings before church, where she would send me to the corner store for a Honey Dipped Donut and a $0.30 juice.
Or the “Paris with Love” French Toast, renamed after one of our first French Toasters that passed away from cancer in 2020. Paris came to our 2nd catering (networking) event, where she ended up meeting her wife. After that event they would come to every event we had.
Those sorts of stories happen quite often for us and I’m super grateful. I’m determined to continue building the brand with connection by focusing on consistency, open mindedness, quality, and commitment to customer service.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Looking back, COVID-19 was such a whirlwind. Everything was chaotic to say the least. I think the biggest lesson I learned was to be agile. You have to know how to pivot and think outside of the box.
Major restaurants were closing and trying to figure out how to stay in business. Catering and events were also at a stand still.
I remember thinking that I had to do something. I started with getting the Serve Safe Covid 19 certification. This certification would ensure that we were operating as safely as possible and show our commitment to our customers, as well as their safety. I then decided to have a touch less pop up where we gave out rolls of toilet tissue with every purchase.
That was a very successful pop at the time because people weren’t leaving their house and were fearful of getting sick, even from the handling of their groceries. So for our French Toasters to trust our brand in uncertain times, was eye opening and impactful.
Pricing:
- Catering Starts as low as 23 per person
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @frenchtoastconnection
- Facebook: French Toast Connection
- Other: https://linktr.ee/frenchtoastconnection
