We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chef Michelle Daniels. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chef Michelle below.

Hi Chef Michelle , thanks for joining us today. One of the most important things we can do as business owners is ensure that our customers feel appreciated. What’s something you’ve done or seen a business owner do to help a customer feel valued?

Customers are our life line . They can make or break you. To show customers you appreciate them get to know them. Talk to them, learn likes and dislikes . Although we serve many guests, I always do my best learn my customers name and use it when providing services. It is personal touch especially when they return and you call them by name. I always thank them for choosing us and welcome them back. I would say the best thing was learning about the food allergies of some of our customers. They feel safe knowing we care enough to ask and remember their allergies and guide them on the best food choices .

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Wow.. this could be a long story .. No seriously . I started out in the Food Service-Hospitality Industry when I was 19. I worked as a dishwasher for Courtyard by Marriott. I applied for a server position because I heard they made tips. (Lol) But when I was interviewed they had filled it. I said ok .. I will do this for a few weeks. I was determined to learn everything and actually enjoyed being in the kitchen. I learned every position in the kitchen as well as : Housekeeping, Sales and management . After 15 years and several promotions, I decided to go to culinary school and be on my way to becoming a professional chef. After school, I knew it would be difficult starting my own business right away as well as having to work your way up the chain in a full service kitchen. So, I took another route which enabled me to learn all facets and use my management and leadership skills in a culinary setting and Management role. I went into healthcare and worked as a night supervisor and worked my way to Executive Chef. From there the sky was the limit . From high end Physicians and donor events to ensuring our Patients and Staff had great food to eat . I learn to cook in large quantities and at a fast pace . In 2019 I left Healthcare to start my personal chef business full time . All About Food was finally going to be my passion. It was hard, because COVID was right around the corner and business were shut down. However , there is always a way. Even with restrictions we were able to serve our customers and grow our following and customer base. I have to thank the American Legion Family, my team and community for the support .

If I must say: Iam most proud of making the Deans List with Maricopa Environmental Services and being named in the top 25 Chefs In Arizona

What I feel sets us apart is or service, consistency and quality of our food . We make food that is comforting and leaves you craving for more.

Any advice for managing a team?

The best advice I can give for managing and maintaining your team and it’s morale is this..,,, LISTEN and LEARN! Your team is the pulse of your business. Listen to them , even when you may not be able to do what they request at least listen. Learn, learn by asking them questions about how they do perform tasks, what tools do they need, and how can you help? Team building is important. This can be formal training or going bowling it helps you and your team to learn about each other. How to balance everyone different perspectives and personalities. This creates cohesive teams that will do what is needed to take care of themselves as well as the customers. Lastly , respect and transparency within reason are key and very important.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

As I think back, what helped me most was that I grew up as a native of Arizona -south phoenix. I was active in school, church and community organizations. So this helped with getting to know people. My reputation was built on my personality, skills, consistency and quality of the product that I serve . Word of mouth and happy customers are your best friends so you cherish and nurture those relationships . It can make or break you and your business.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @allaboutfoodaz
• Facebook: @allaboutfood1
• Yelp: All About Food
• Other: Google-All About Food