Meet Antwan Buie | AKA Executive Chef Ceejai

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

Hi Antwan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind me finally coming to terms with starting my own business was can you actually do this?! It was a constant question that kept me afraid from taking the first step but once I got over the fear and realized that I was already running and operating another’s companies operations why not just do it for myself with my own schedule with me calling the shots and put it in that same work and building my own brand

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Westendeatz Catering started off as a strictly Meal Prep company which over the years quickly grew into A full-time catering service and private dining. The journey has definitely not been an easy one but I am grateful for every high and every low. Without those I wouldn’t understand you or what I could stand as a business owner I’ve learned so much from my mistakes and I still continue to make to as I grow the most importantly I always learn. I don’t think any entrepreneur can’t sit back and say that they don’t stumble I don’t matter how successful they are. We see the glitz and glam people tend To push on social media platforms like everything is just great The truth of the matter is the failures and the mistakes in what you learn from them is what gives you and your business character I tell people all the time never sacrifice your business integrity or your character as an individual for an opportunity every opportunity no matter how amazing it may be isn’t always good or beneficial to you and your brand so what I will say is trust the process and take your time . 2022 for me and my company call Alby about elevation and execution I’ve completely went through everything I could in the past five years in business that 2022 it’s all about taking things to that next level by presenting to the world and not only who I am but who Westendeatz is as a whole not just post pictures of food I want you guys to get into the brand has a hole so 2022 going to be major to be on the lookout

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?
So some must haves when visiting the city of atlanta that i absolutely love are , Toast on Lenox which is amazing brunch spot here in Buckhead where my Jersey native brother Chef V. Harper owns and operates. Another is Breakfast at Barney’s, then The Goodz which is owned by the fried king crab king himself Chef Tookool thanks for everything from Soul roll Eggrolls to the amazing surf n turf and hookah services which is everyone’s goto lol

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If I had to dedicate this article to anyone it would definitely be Celebrity photographer & Owner of Plastiq Magazine Nathan Pearcy! From the beginning Nathan has allowed me to showcase my talents in numerous ways even allowing me to be like Saturday shift of the start of the magazine for the first few months they’re open so much opportunity indoors for my clientele and culinary career as a whole. Him his team continuously still supports me in so many ways but I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them so early on

Website: Westendeatz.com

Instagram: Chef.ceejai or w.e_catering