Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Gaymon
Hi Anthony , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It started in the early 90’s. My grandfather had me in the kitchen with him when I was 2-3 years old. “Taliaferros Catering” was my grandfather’s business. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t cook. He catered events for friends, churches, politicians, coworkers, large organizations, you name it. Over the years I grew a passion for cooking, smoking, and grilling. I grew up watching my grandfather cook for all the family events, all the holidays. A few times I got the honor of cooking for family and friends, and I loved it. Pops would have me grill for him here and there. As I got older I would cook dinner for my mother and I. Fast forward a few years I started working at McCormick, and that’s where I think my love for cooking really took off because I had access to some of the best seasonings and spices in the world! Every so often the company would have discounts for employees and I’d buy as much as i could. Cookouts were never the same again lol. As time went on I kept practicing my craft. In March 2020, the world was shook up due to Covid. That’s when I really took grilling seriously. Couldn’t do much but eat and drink honestly lol. I turned that idle time into a grilling page. Didn’t think I’d really be cooking for others, just showing what I’ve cooked etc. After a while people asked me to sell my food and at first I said no. Finally me and one of my closest friends decided to make it happen. We actually did great the first day. We didn’t anticipate the business that we got, were overwhelmed honestly. So we continued to sell dinners when time permitted. Not as consistent as we wanted to be because we still had our 9-5 to work, both of us being truck drivers. Over the course of time it would just be me cooking and the family and some friends helping when they could. I got real serious about my business in 2022. Really focused on getting better, creating better content, asking the people what they like. I decided to rebrand to “Taliaferro’s Grille” to pay homage to where my journey began.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve had a few struggles but if I’m being honest, they were self inflicted by lack of knowledge. Not having a budget can hurt. Finding good quality food at a decent price. Setting your prices so the customer is satisfied and you’re not losing out. Not allowing yourself the proper amount of time to set up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a department supervisor at Lowe’s during the day and a griller/caterer on my off days. My specialties are grilled chicken, salmon, turkey burgers, and lamb chops. I’m most proud of myself for staying consistent and not giving up. I don’t do this for the money, I love to watch and hear about people enjoying my food. I want the feedback whether positive or negative, I believe I’m good but I know I can be so much better.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Having great communication skills. Really understand the consumer and what they want.
Contact Info:
- Website: tonesgrilln20@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taliaferros_grille/profilecard/?igsh=cmwxN21wZTF0bnZ6
