Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerry Edwards.
Hi Jerry, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 1983 as a twenty-one-year-old college Graduate, I opened a small sandwich shop named Chef’s Express, playing off the Federal Express name, since we were going to be delivering. It was a small 365 square foot space in the basement of an office building. The business grew from that tiny sandwich shop to a gourmet retail outlet. Then came full-service catering. Our operation specialized in life’s milestone celebrations. We have performed over 5,000 weddings and countless other celebrations. We enjoyed years of success, awards and friendships until 2020.
In 2020, during the “pandemic” the governor shut down all events in the state. I was at a crossroads in my life, Do I retire now or do I keep pushing. I chose to move forward with a twist, or as they like to say “Pivot”.
I merged Chef’s Expressions Catering with The Manor Tavern Restaurant, which had been purchased by my Brother In Law years earlier. We were both in need of each other’s help. He as an absentee owner needed a committed manager of his restaurant and me as an effectively out of business caterer.
I merged my 37-year-old catering operation with his aged restaurant. New life sprang and with some remodeling investment and hard sweat equity, we created a new business.
As a Chef, I have grown in so many ways. From an inexperienced kitchen kid reading everything he could about culinary skills and techniques to a business owner and a leader in volunteer/charity organizations. I have been honored by being inducted into The Hall of Fame Award for The National Association for Catering and Events. The Hospitality Industry ICON Award and National Caterer of the Year Award by Catering Magazine. Many other victories and recognitions were graciously sprinkled along the way.
Now as an accomplished chef and businessman, I am about to start a career in writing cookbooks and passing on my knowledge to up and coming caterers and chefs through consulting. My first book “Seasons of Taste” was a fun effort, but there are many more things I want to write. As an avid Wine Collector, I am now writing my second book, “Seasons of the Grape”, a wine and food journey through the wine regions of the world.
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?
In my business either you embrace the struggle and plan to minimize issues, or you go and do something else. We have struggled through recessions, weather related catastrophes, team member tragedies and of course man-made ones.
Our track record is excellent, but the years have taken a toll. Through the creative process I find the strength to move forward and reinvigorate myself everyday.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Manor Tavern is an established restaurant set in the rolling farm hills of Northern Maryland. We have been in operation for over 75 years. In that time, it has grown from a dirt floor rough house tavern to a fine dining restaurant that hosts many local patrons for fine dining as well as joyous gatherings for that special occasion. The menu is noted as Modern Country Cuisine. When in growing season, we use vegetables and herbs from our own garden all pollinated by our 150,000 bees that produce gallons of honey for many of our culinary creations. Every week, a local Farm is featured for our enthusiastic and loyal guests.
The Chef’s Expressions division is a full service catering firm renowned for custom-designed events; focusing on four star cuisine, electrifying themes, unique details and extraordinary service for every occasion. We are approved at over 50 other locations in Baltimore and Washington. Chef’s Expressions has won over 50 culinary and catering awards, including National Caterer of the Year twice by Catering Magazine and The National Association of Catering Executives..
Our name says it all… We express ourselves through the finest food, service and designs possible.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Mentorship is a privilege and should be taken seriously. Entering into such a relationship takes care and thought. I believe both parties must know they are in such a relationship and require the other person to be a part of the process, setting goals and objectives together.
Pricing:
- we customize all events. Restaurant pricing is two dollar signs. Not the highest, but nor casual
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themanortavern.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manortavern/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manortavern
