We recently connected with Benjamin Dexter and have shared our conversation below.
Benjamin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The Story Behind The MAC
The idea for The MAC was born out of both nostalgia and necessity. Growing up, macaroni and cheese wasn’t just a meal—it was an experience. It was comfort on a plate, the warmth of home, and a dish that brought people together. But as I got older, I realized that this classic comfort food was often limited to either uninspired fast-food versions or upscale, overpriced restaurant plates. There was a gap in the market for something in between—a gourmet take on mac and cheese that was both accessible and exciting.
The moment I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor came during a family gathering. I had experimented with different cheese blends, mix-ins, and textures, and the reaction was overwhelming. People weren’t just eating; they were savoring, reminiscing, and even debating over their favorite combinations. That’s when I realized—The MAC wasn’t just about food; it was about creating an experience.
Beyond the passion, there was also logic. Mac and cheese is a universally loved dish, but few places dedicate themselves to reimagining it in a fresh, innovative way. I saw an opportunity to bring a unique twist to a classic, offering a menu that catered to both traditionalists and adventurers. From creamy, slow-cooked blends to spicy, smoky, and even globally inspired variations, The MAC would be more than a food business—it would be a movement redefining comfort food.
What excites me most is not just the flavors, but the potential for community impact. Food has the power to bring people together, and with The MAC, I envision a space where people gather, share stories, and indulge in something that feels both familiar and new. Through mobile catering, we can reach festivals, events, and neighborhoods that may not always have access to high-quality, creative comfort food.
At its core, The MAC is about more than just serving up bowls of cheesy goodness—it’s about nostalgia, creativity, and connection. And that’s why I know it will work.
Benjamin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Benjamin J Dexter II, and I’m the founder of The MAC, a mobile food and catering business built around a love for comfort food with a modern twist. My journey into the food industry wasn’t just about making great meals—it was about creating an experience that brings people together. I’ve always believed that food has a way of connecting people, sparking conversations, and making memories. That’s what The MAC is all about.
The idea started as a simple thought: everyone loves mac and cheese, but why settle for just the basic version when it can be transformed into something exciting, gourmet, and uniquely crafted? I saw an opportunity to take a classic dish and elevate it, offering a variety of flavors and styles that cater to different tastes while still feeling like home.
At The MAC, we provide high-quality, chef-inspired mac and cheese dishes through our mobile catering service, making gourmet comfort food accessible at festivals, events, and private gatherings. More than just a food business, we’re here to create a sense of warmth and nostalgia with every bite. We also focus on convenience and flexibility—bringing our dishes to the people instead of waiting for them to come to us.
What sets us apart is not just our menu but our approach. We take pride in using fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and innovative recipes to transform a simple dish into something memorable. Plus, being mobile allows us to meet people where they are—whether it’s a community event, a corporate function, or a private celebration.
One of the things I’m most proud of is turning this vision into reality despite the challenges that come with starting a business. Every meal we serve is a reflection of hard work, passion, and a commitment to delivering something special.
For potential clients and supporters, I want them to know that The MAC is more than just food—it’s an experience. It’s about enjoying a meal that feels familiar yet exciting, knowing that every dish is made with intention. Whether you’re a mac and cheese enthusiast or someone looking for a catering service that brings creativity and quality to the table, The MAC is here to serve.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was waiting for perfection before starting. For so long, I watched others launch their businesses, thinking they did it overnight. But the truth is, they just started. They took that first step and let their failures and struggles push them forward to new heights. I realized that if I kept waiting for the “perfect moment,” I’d never begin. So I let go of perfection and embraced progress. The most important thing was to get started—because growth, learning, and success only come from taking that leap.
Have you ever had to pivot?
There was a time when I had to eat some humble pie—when I left my part-time job in hopes of making more money, thinking that the next step would be a clear upgrade. But the grass wasn’t greener. In fact, I found myself in an environment that didn’t live by its mission, and that disconnect weighed on me. I realized how much I truly love working with people and the impact we can have on others.
Hitting what felt like rock bottom forced me to confront a deeper truth: success isn’t just about the paycheck; it’s about purpose. It’s about creating a space where people can blossom and bloom, where what we do actually matters. That moment of frustration became the push I needed to dig into my own creative power—to stop waiting for the “perfect” opportunity and start building something that aligned with my values. More money isn’t always better, but making a real difference? That’s priceless.
Contact Info:
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