We recently connected with Jamel Hadnot and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jamel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Wanting something original, I came up with the name as a dedication to the Landry side of my family, deeply rooted in southeast Louisiana.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hello I’m Chef Mel! Texas raised and Louisiana rooted. I started Landry’s Catering in 2015. Looking to change the chef culture in Central Texas with innovative and creative ideas. I strive to bring something new and something different to the table with every dish.

I got my start in the industry working as a dishwasher at Holiday Inn in Sulphur, La. Curious and always ready to learn, I worked my way up to breakfast cook in no time. Putting in work from kitchen to kitchen, learning under different chefs I decided to test my faith for the first time in 2015. From there on out is history and a full length movie just up to this point lol.

The services that we provide at Landry’s Catering are great hospitality day in and day out. Over great food and plenty of love, We want to make sure every client and every guest has the ultimate experience when booking with us. From full buffet, kitchen to table service or private intimate dining.

What sets me apart from others is the unique styles of plating and diversity of dishes. Not ever wanting to be the typical but more intriguing and fun, while still providing that wholesome feeling while eating great food.

The thing I’m most proud of is my determination and progress so far from when I started. From being booked in California, Oklahoma, Austin and Dallas to 300 plus guest events and weddings surely has opened my eyes to knowing the importance of never giving up! Also I’m proud of the super team that helps me from every aspect to prep, booking and even staying on me lol. They are a tremendous asset and love them dearly for their patience and loyalty.

I would like for potential clients to understand that when booking with Landry’s Catering. We perform every process with love which is the most important with whatever you do! Providing great customer service, making sure we always give you exactly what you want, going high and above to exceed your satisfaction while feeding the soul.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

I started cooking for myself when I moved back to Texas. Calling back home asking the executive chef my mom, how she prepared thes dishes we ate growing up. I began selling gumbo and making homemade boudin. I got discouraged at first after not selling a lot my first couple of times. So I continued to work and strategize on how I can become better. I took a job as a line cook at Texas A&M University where I fine tuned my skills. On my off days I would pack up my equipment and go to Waco,TX to sell my food. I always considered Waco a second home due to the fact I lived there for some time, graduated and met a lot of great people. There things started great and within a few months I moved back permanently. The use of social media helped me gain a nice buzz and reach more clientele. I’ve had a few major milestones for instance the launching of my catering business in 2015. Another big milestone was winning Culinary Artist of the Year at The Waco Awards in 2021.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I built my audience on social media through Facebook and Instagram. Posting the dishes I would make in my kitchen seeing what people would like to see on my menus. With consistency I built up a nice following and have gotten many inquires. My advice for those just starting out is to stay consistent and don’t get discouraged. Continue to post even when you don’t feel anyone is watching.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Landrys_Catering
• Facebook: Landry’s Catering Page
• Youtube: Landry’s Catering

Image Credits
Jamel Hadnot