We were lucky to catch up with Chef Meek Mealz recently and have shared our conversation below.
Chef Meek, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
The Story Behind Our Mission
At Nana Browns LLC, our mission is more than words—it’s the heart behind everything we do. This company was born from a place of love, legacy, and purpose. I started Nana Browns with the memory and spirit of my grandmother in mind—a woman who believed that food was more than just sustenance. For her, and now for us, food was a way to gather people, to heal, and to celebrate life.
Growing up, I watched how a home-cooked meal could turn a hard day around or bring a family closer. That energy of intention, comfort, and care is what we now infuse into every plate we serve. Our mission to provide love-infused service, honest practices, premium quality food, and stunning presentation reflects our belief that good food should nourish the soul, not just fill the stomach.
We don’t just cater events—we curate experiences that leave lasting memories. Whether it’s a wedding, a family reunion, or a corporate brunch, we show up with heart, with purpose, and with a commitment to excellence rooted in tradition and elevated by passion.
Our mission is our promise: to serve with integrity, lead with love, and honor every guest with a culinary experience that feels like home.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Shimek Antrom, and I’m the proud owner and operator of Nana Browns LLC, a full-service catering company founded in 2020. Nana Browns was born from my deep love of food, family, and creating spaces where people feel seen, nourished, and celebrated. My journey into the culinary world started long before I wore a chef coat—it began in my grandmother’s kitchen. She was the heart of our family and the inspiration behind both the name and the spirit of this business. Watching her pour love into every meal taught me that food is more than flavor—it’s connection, comfort, and community.
Before launching Nana Browns, I worked in restaurant management at several well-known establishments, including Gladys Knight’s Chicken & Waffles, Boston Market, Milk & Honey ATL, and Medusa Lounge. These experiences gave me a foundation in leadership, service, and consistency—but it was entrepreneurship that allowed me to finally bring my full creativity and heart to the table.
At Nana Browns, we specialize in elevated catering experiences for all occasions—from weddings and brunches to corporate events and private dinners. Our services go beyond food—we offer full service, from menu curation and staffing to elegant presentation and guest experience. Our style is soulful, vibrant, and made from scratch with the freshest ingredients and intentional care.
The problem we solve? We help clients who don’t just want food—they want feeling. They want an experience that leaves a mark, that tells a story, that honors the occasion. We fill that gap by being hands-on, heart-first, and detail-oriented in everything we do.
What sets us apart is our mission to nourish not just the body, but the soul—one plate at a time. We lead with integrity, deliver with excellence, and treat every event, big or small, as if it were our own family gathering. We don’t just show up to cook—we show up to care.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how far this vision has come—from working out of a home kitchen to catering large-scale weddings, traveling across states, and even cooking for celebrity clients like Khadeen & Devale Ellis. I’m also proud to be on track to earn my Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts by March 2026, further sharpening my craft while running a growing business.
To anyone considering working with us: I want you to know that when you choose Nana Browns, you’re choosing heart. You’re choosing heritage. And you’re choosing a team that will treat your event like it matters—because it does.
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
A Favorite Marketing Moment: When Faith Met Opportunity
One of my most unforgettable marketing moments didn’t come from a paid ad or a big campaign—it came from a moment of courage and authenticity at a local farmers market.
It was a warm Saturday at the Alpharetta Farmers Market, and I was set up just like I had been so many weekends before, sharing my food, my passion, and the story of Nana Browns LLC with anyone who stopped by. That day, the crowd was buzzing, and I was in my usual rhythm—serving samples, answering questions, smiling through the summer heat.
Then, I looked up—and there she was. Khadeen Ellis, actress, content creator, and one-half of the powerhouse couple Khadeen and Devale Ellis, walking through the market with her beautiful family. I recognized her instantly. I tried to play it cool, but my heart was racing. She stopped by my booth, looked over the menu, and decided to grab a few meals for the family. I could barely believe what was happening—but I knew this was my moment.
Even though I was nervous, I asked her if I could take a picture with her, and she kindly said yes. Then, I took a deep breath and did something that scared me a little—I handed her my business card. I told her who I was, what I did, and how much it would mean if she ever needed catering. I had no idea if she’d actually reach out—but I knew I had to try.
To my surprise and joy, the following week or so, I got a call from her. She asked if I could cater a Father’s Day brunch for Devale. That was three years ago, and what started as a quick encounter at a local farmers market turned into an incredible opportunity to serve their family—and build a trusted relationship that continues to this day.
That moment taught me that your next big break can come in the most ordinary places—but you have to be brave enough to show up, speak up, and bet on yourself. I’m so grateful I did.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
A Story of Resilience: Finding Purpose in a Pandemic
At the start of the pandemic, I had just made one of the scariest decisions of my life—I quit my job as a kitchen manager. The world was shutting down, fear was in the air, and like so many others, I had no idea what was coming next. I remember sitting in the bathroom, completely overwhelmed, praying and talking to God.
I asked Him, “What am I supposed to do now? How will I make a living? What is my purpose?”
In that quiet, tearful moment, God answered me—not with comfort, but with instructions. He told me: “Feed the people.”
Not just any people—He put it on my heart to feed the hospital workers on the front lines of a deadly crisis.
At the time, my cousin was working the night shift in the emergency room at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, one of the busiest trauma centers in the South. So I got to work. With no contracts, no funding, and no guarantee of where this would lead, I started showing up to Grady once a week with 50 hot meals—home-cooked, prepared with love, and delivered to the staff who were risking their lives to care for others.
There was no press, no fanfare—just purpose. I didn’t have much, but I gave what I could. I gave food. I gave comfort. I gave consistency during a time of chaos. And in that giving, I found myself.
That was the moment Nana Browns LLC was born—not just as a catering company, but as a calling. That’s when I realized: this is bigger than food. This is about service. This is about faith. This is about using my gift to uplift others—even when I felt like I had nothing.
That experience taught me that resilience isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about having the heart to move when you hear God’s voice. To serve even when you’re empty. To believe even when it’s uncertain. That moment, in that bathroom, was the lowest I had been—but it led me to the highest purpose I’ve ever known.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nanabrowns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanabrownsllc
- Facebook: Nana Browns by Chef Meek Mealz LLC
- Youtube: Nanabrownsllc
- Other: Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Jaii Harris Photography