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

Hi Dennis, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Everyone eats, and we all like to eat at events, games or social gatherings. The problem I saw is there was not enough love put into the food many caterers were providing. It was often bland, cold, old because it was prepared hours before the event. My past life experience in food service as a short order cook to a Sou Chef then a Sautee’ Chef and my love for cooking for people powered me to take my craft to the public. I was charged to come up with ways to safely bring restaurants to the people. Provide a great tasting menu, cooked hot and fresh and customized to the customer as they would be able to do if they were to walk into a restaurant. Allowing people to say what they want or don’t want added to their meals at an event is something different. Usually, food from caterers have been pre-pared and customers must take it or leave it. At Tastebuds Of Atlanta LLC, we cook to order at Pop-up shops, events, etc. This allows us to provide a personal customer dining experience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I always had a talent for cooking. God given, I discovered I had a gift at an early age as I often would find myself in my parent’s kitchen cooking and creating dishes that the entire family would rave over.

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.
I don’t really have a favorite one. I like lots of different tastes. I would be most likely for the atmosphere take them to a Mexican restaurant like Las Trojas or a seafood spot such as Juicy Crab. I don’t do clubs or anything like that but would definately take them (if they were my close friends) to Church.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out to all the establishments that allowed me to sharpen my craft and build my brand. The one that mostly assisted in my training was Proof of the Pudding, Atlanta

Instagram: @tastebuds_of_atlanta

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