Meet Bredell Strong Jr. | Chef & Entreprenuer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bredell Strong Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bredell, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was having financial independence and being able to give to charities I believe in. Coming from a background of being homeless makes you think not just about your situation, but others as well when you come out. I thank God for that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love cooking and music! I have always written songs and am working on my first project so be on the lookout for that. As far as cooking, I have been doing it for the last 4 years consistently. I have always cooked but it became a passion of mine after going through a career change. What sets me apart from others is my attention to detail. If the people I am serving do not smile when presented with my craft, it is not worth putting out whether it be my food, music or products. I am also working on an aromatherapy business so my hands are pretty full. I got to where I am today by making a choice to follow God’s leading and doing what truly makes me happy. It hasn’t been easy because you lose people along the way who you think will support you but is the exact opposite. Overcoming these challenges means creating a hedge in your mind and heart to obey your purpose regardless of what anyone thinks. If there is negativity around you, remove it and replace it with positivity and people who support you. One of the main lessons I have learned is, whatever you want, you will have to work hard at it. It will not be given to you. You have to fight everyday to make your dreams come true, and it is the hardest fight but it is worth it. I want people to know that I am a servant. When people are creating something, they are serving whatever it is to the public for their use. Being a chef, music artist and entrepreneur is not a position to gloat but a privilege to provide a service to help people along this journey called life and help make things easier for them in the process.

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?
I would definitely take them to The Painted Duck. They have good food and cool games. Hotel Colee is a wonderful place that has excellent food and a rooftop lounge so you basically don’t have to leave. Storico Fresco Alimentari has the best Italian food and charcuterie board in Atlanta so I I highly recommend eating here if you’re feeling some European cuisine. Piedmont Park is also one of the best places to hang out. Depending on the day, you can catch a great concert and other outdoor activities. Lastly, Parkside District! If you haven’t been there, just go and thank me later.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank God for giving me the strength to change and transform my life. Also thanking my wife Shamika Strong for being beside me in every facet of my life. I want to give a special shout out to Vearlynn Carter for helping us see the truth in a lot of areas that were difficult and also Andre Clanton for being someone who I can look up to as a mentor. Lastly, I want to thank my Dad for his unwavering support.

Other: Reconstructing my social media pages. Had some issues in the past but you will be able to find me soon through my name Bredell Strong Jr. I’ll be available on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter/X.