Meet Gladstone Roberts | Entrepreneur/ Private Chef
We had the good fortune of connecting with Gladstone Roberts and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Gladstone, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Truth be told, one of the hardest parts of starting a business is not the fear of failure but the fear of success.
I launched my private chef business during COVID, when people were looking for safer, more intimate dining experiences. It grew quickly, but deep down, I worried it might all fade once the world returned to normal.
By God’s grace, it didn’t.
Not only did the business continue, but I was able to build a name for myself doing what I love bringing people together through food.
5 years strong, and still cooking with purpose.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Cooking is art in every sense.
It doesn’t come easy—and it shouldn’t. It takes hard work, consistency, and real dedication. I like to think I have a natural gift in the kitchen, but I’d be lying if I said I got here on my own. I believe in giving credit where credit is due.
My earliest inspiration was my mother. I started cooking at just 5 years old—experimenting with my favorite foods and figuring out how to make them my own. Yes, I went to culinary school, but truthfully, it didn’t teach me much I hadn’t already picked up. It was more of a milestone than a masterclass. The real learning happened in the kitchens of prestigious restaurants, under the leadership of top chefs.
There, I learned how to multitask in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. I learned to plate with purpose, pair ingredients with intention, and never compromise the integrity of a dish.
A lot of what I know came through self-teaching—but so much of my growth came from learning under chefs who started just like I did. That humility and openness to learning is what keeps me sharp to this day.
I take pride in every single dish I prepare—from the ingredients I source to the plate I choose to serve it on. I’m my own toughest critic, always thinking about what I can do better the next time.
Every day, I push myself to grow.
Everything I’ve learned—and continue to learn—will always be reflected in my business, with pride and integrity.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Wow so many options
If you’re asking me for the perfect 5-day food + vibes itinerary, here’s how I’m doing it:
Day 1 – Catch-Up & Chill
We’re starting off low-key. A casual vibe, good conversation, and even better food. No better place than Hawkers—laid-back atmosphere, solid drinks, and Thai street food that hits every time.
Day 2 – Beach + Vibes
Time for some adventure, minus the tourist traps. We’re heading to Daytona Beach, grilling seaside, mixing up craft cocktails, and running the playlist all day. Good food, good people, good energy.
Day 3 – All-Out Dinner & Nightlife
We’re turning it up. I recently fell in love with The Eye—from photo-worthy cocktails to incredible dishes and a live DJ that sets the whole vibe. It’s the perfect dinner-meets-night-out spot.
Day 4 – Chill & Recharge
Time to lay low. One of my favorite hidden gems is Noragami—a Michelin guide sushi spot serving fire omakase. Clean, intentional, and always fresh.
Day 5 – Send-Off in Style
We’re closing it out at Kabooki Sushi. Elevated flavors, sleek ambiance, and a perfect way to wrap up the trip.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to take a moment to give a few well-deserved shoutouts to the people who helped shape not just my business—but the man behind it.
First, Chanel Van Fossan—you’ve been a pillar in this journey. From carrying the weight of the work to having the tough conversations that most shy away from, you’ve helped me grow in ways I didn’t even know I needed. You’ve made me comfortable with being uncomfortable and kept my spirit optimistic through it all. Thank you for being more than just support—you’ve been a partner in every sense.
To my mother—may she rest in peace. You are the reason I cook. The love you poured into our home, the way you balanced everything—raising two kids, caring for your husband, holding down a job, and still making sure the house felt like home—is something I’ll never forget. That same heart you put into every meal lives on in me.
To my father—you’ve always been a guiding force. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but with time I’ve come to understand and appreciate the discipline, the ambition, and the responsibility you modeled. You taught me what it means to stand on principle and move with character. That foundation is something I’ll always be grateful for.
These three incredible people have shaped my life and my path. I’m forever indebted to them. Everything I do is a reflection of their influence.
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Image Credits
All photos are mine. I own the rights to all these photos
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