We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anthony, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Well, honestly I never set out with intentions of starting my own food business. I realized my calling for cooking while taking care of my mother (Honey) who was very ill. Since I was the youngest of ten siblings, I had to implement and apply what she had instilled in me which was cooking. As the youngest, I lived my life under my mother which was in the kitchen. I spent countless hours helping Honey cook and prepare dinners for her family, friends, local churches, and community organizations. I had resigned from my job to be her full-time caretaker. I had to supplement my income by cooking and selling dinners out of her house. It wasn’t until she passed away in 2010 that I had discovered my love and passion for cooking had become my vision and reality in efforts to continue her legacy of providing food for the soul. I continued to further my culinary skills and matriculation from Miami Dade Community College Culinary Institution. After trials, tribulations, and some burnt ends we stepped out on FAITH and incorporated Hunny’z Kitchen.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Hunny’z Kitchen BBQ and Catering is a small owned and operated business that enjoys sharing what we love; some “Good old Backyard BBQ”. Hunny’z Kitchen has that “Mom and Pop” comfort that specializes in Southern Style dishes, for instance, BBQ Ribs, Fried Chicken, Pork and Chicken Souse, Jerk Chicken, Collard Greens, Macaroni & Cheese, and Pigeon Peas and Rice. In addition, Chef Anthony is also known for his Delicious Mountain Filled Loaded Baked Potatoes, which is a game-changer. His choices consist of grilled chicken accompanied by his secret sauce, grilled salmon or shrimp with his seasoned to perfection tri-colored peppers, broccoli with sour cream, and melted cheese. It will change your life (lol). Since its opening, it has become a staple in the community and it’s a favorite spot to grab some “Good Old” BBQ and Southern Food. Here at Hunny’z Kitchen we want you to feel like a part of our family. It is our desire that our food is a place where many laughs, conversations, and memories are shared with family and friends at the table. The company is currently based at the Yellow Green Farmers’ Market in Hollywood, Florida. What sets Hunny’z Kitchen apart from others? Well, it’s simple! We stand out from the crowd of other barbeque businesses or food stands because we aim for excellence in our customer service, fresh ingredients, herbs and spices, and our food. Not to mention, our consistency in quality and presentation on everything that comes out of the kitchen. We didn’t change or alter the BBQ Game, we just ELEVATED it!

We are most proud and excited about adding our nonprofit organization Hunny Cares. We make it a point to align ourselves with giving back in helping our communities by participated in food drives, giving donations to Back to School events and organizations for the underprivileged. We have partnered with local charities in providing Holiday Food Baskets during Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays for families in need. We love the mentorship of Chef Anthony using his story to encourage and convince at-risk people that we all have gifts, traits, and the ability to create their own business of becoming entrepreneurs. Hunny’z Kitchen has also received support and referral for business from City Officials of Broward, West Park, and Miami Florida, Radio Host Jill Tracy (Hot.105), The Hungry Black Man, and Evander Holyfield, just to name a few. Since the COVID 19 pandemic, we have provided food services to the Miami Dade Community by providing free GraceGiving Dinner (Thanks Giving Day) and partnerd with other restaurants, chefs, and business owners with Drive-Thru-Dinner Events in which collaborately we fed over 500 families.
It has not been a smooth road. We have faced our share of challenges on our road to success. Challenges never go away in owning a business. It has its rewards, but there are extreme highs and lows, It is no surprise that some struggles along the way have been mainly financial obstacles, having to tap into our savings, 401K, managing expenses, maxing out credit cards, the unforeseen cost that arises and borrowing money from family and friends. Also, time constraints sometimes keep us preoccupied with intricacies, whether it is sourcing the right ingredients, obtaining licenses. However, we are steering the course through choppy waters. We are grateful for a phenomenal support system that believes in Hunny’z Kitchen that is cheering and rooting us on.
We want the world to know that we are continuing his mother (Honey) legacy in bringing Hunny’z cooking into everyone’s kitchen. We want you to feel a part of our family. It is our desire that our food is a place where many laughs, conversations and memories are shared with family and friends at the table.

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.
Well, one of our favorite spots to visit is The Yellow Green, Farmers Market. It’s the number 1 Market in South Florida. It’s a dynamic outdoor venue that connects local producers, chefs, and artisans with the community. In addition to food and artisanal crafts, the diversity and culture of the market include Hunny’z Kitchen and a variety of other small businesses, live music, and other market happenings such as yoga, art, and dance classes that are integral part of the Yellow Green community. Turning an earthly mission into a bright vision, The Yellow Green Market invites you to join us with your friends and family to support and nurture our beloved community. It is dedicated to integrating authentic sustainable living into the heart of daily life.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely want to Shoutout my right hand, my beautiful wife Dawn Harris. Dawn is a phenomenal educator in Broward County Public Schools who was won a plethora of awards from the district, community, peers, and students. Our current level of success could not be achieved without her knowledge, experience, and ideas. In addition, we want to give a Shoutout to a very special friend Ava Williams, our family, staff, close friends, community, and our loyal customers that continue to support us in every way. We love and appreciate you all.

Website: www.hunnyzkitchen.com

Instagram: hunnyz_kitchen_llc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hunnyzkitchen/

Image Credits
@HunnyzkitchenCollection

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