🍴 Central Piedmont recently hosted its first “Chat, Sip, and Chew” event, bringing Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) specializing in culinary and food services to campus to meet with faculty and staff.

Event Highlights:

• 24 vendors showcased their businesses and potential partnerships.
• Jorieka Downey, a 2014 Central Piedmont alumna, was one of the vendors. She shared her inspiring journey of overcoming obstacles to build her successful food truck and catering business, G.R.I.T.S. CLT.

Downey’s Journey:

• Education: Enrolled in Central Piedmont’s culinary program while juggling two jobs and raising three children.
• Challenges: Worked third shift, attended classes, and balanced family life.
• Career Start: Gained experience at Compass Group and formed a crucial business partnership.
• Business Growth: Started as a caterer, gained popularity at events like the 2019 NBA All-Star Game and the CIAA Basketball Tournament.
• Viral Success: Went viral with a stuffed turkey leg, garnering over 30,000 views on social media.
• Celebrity Catering: Catered for concerts featuring Busta Rhymes, 112, Marsha Ambrosius, and more.

Overcoming COVID Challenges:

• Despite setbacks, Downey used her savings, loans, and grants to purchase her food truck.
• Awards: Won “Charlotte’s Best Black-owned Food Truck” competition in 2022, judged by notable figures like Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and Congresswoman Alma Adams.

Resilience and Advice:

• Setback: Faced a fire that damaged her food truck but continues to persevere.
• Encouragement: “Stay in it,” Downey advised Central Piedmont students. “If it’s your goal or passion, you have to give it your all. Put your best foot in and never give up.” 🌟