Meet Chris Fenderson | Chef

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

Hi Chris, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In the beginning it wasn’t a thought at all, but while I was the Executive Chef for the UGA Football Team NFL Players would come to visit the team. On their vist they would also eat the food that i would prepare for the team. They would tell me all the time that they would love to have my food for their meal prep. Some would even try to buy meals from me. Through out my time there i tried new techniques to properly fuel an athletes but still have great flavor. After two years I felt comfortable enough to take the leap of faith to start working for myself. It is the best decision I have ever made.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
In my business I want people to enjoy their food and that is pretty hard for most. With my style and techniques I can provide healthy and flavorful options so people will have a easier time trying to reach their dietary goals.

I’m genuinely am excited everyday to work for myself. I get to create amazing food for my amazing people and the food that I make boost their moral. I get people to feel good through my food and that puts a smile on my face when I wake up in the morning to cook.

To get to where I’m at today it took a lot of patience, willing to listen, and learning from my mistakes. In the beginning I didn’t have any processes in place. My business had no structure and I was very unorganized, but through all I have more good days than bad.

One of the biggest challenges I have to deal with is my health in January 2021. Due to me overworking my self and not taking care of my body I came down with GBS(Gillian Beret Syndrome). I started to loose control of my arms and legs and eventually was paralyzed from the neck down within three days. The doctor told me it would take me about a year to recover. With the help of my family I was back on my feet and cooking in four months. During that time I went through a lot mentally and physically, but with my family and my determination I was able to pull through and continue with my business.

Some of the lessons that I have learned is that failing is ok, but only if you learn from it, being able to decipher between constructive criticism and negative criticism, and lastly is to not worry about what the next business is doing.

I would like for everyone to know that I’m a simple Southern Man from Mobile Alambama and cooking is my passion. If you every have the opportunity of eating my food be prepared to enjoy yourself.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Due to my schedule I really don’t get out a lot. As for food I do a lot of my own cooking, but when I do eat put I got to B and L Wings. They have the best wings in ATL hands down.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give thanks to all of my family, Caitlin Hunt Owner of Spindablockshop, and my Mentor Chef Dephon Owner of EDGE Catering

Website: Www.yescheffendo.com

Instagram: @yescheffendo

Facebook: YesChef Fendo

Other: TicToc: Yeschef_fendo