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

Hi Phillip, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was tired of asking someone to take time off to go live life & take care of my responsibilities! If I could give a company 40 hours a week, why couldn’t I give myself the same amount of time, effort, and energy!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Small Bites Dining really started at the Great Bethune Cookman University! I was cooking in my dormitory selling plates when I had the time! That created the hustle and drive that is present today as I strive to achieve greater things in the culinary industry!

Was it easy? No, but prayer, discipline, hitting my head a lot, and being a sponge are what got me here! I can remember one of my first private dining events. My crab cake fell apart so I had to “turn the lemon into lemonade”. So I took the crab cake, used it to stuff some salmon, and presented it to the client. They were pleased. I was nervous & unsure of the decision but this taught me that I had to learn how to pivot quickly and produce a pleasing result!

I would want the world to know that I’m a fun loving guy whose love language is food! I always want people to savor the flavor and enjoy the experience of having love, art, and fun presented to them through each bite in their dining experience!

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.
My best friend and I would probably go to some off the beaten path places, such as Oy! for breakfast. The portions are huge and it’s a great atmosphere. We’d go to the painted duck to bowl or axe throwing to have some fun! For lunch, we would have to go to Ponce City Market. H&F is one my favorites, Botiwalla is another good one. We’d top it off with Five Daughters Bakery to grab a doughnut for dessert. Then we’d probably swing by Nike on the way out! If you’re looking for a date night spot it’s Paint Splatter Studio. They’ll be lots of fun  and a good time! For dinner, we’d go C&S to grab some chargrilled oysters, or The 5 Bistro to get something quick! If you want to sit down & look nice, try Low Country Steakhouse or Marcels. They’re crowd pleasers. If you have to get something sweet, Revolution Donuts are amazing. For BBQ, Rodney Scott BBQ and JJ’s Rib Shack are great choices! If you’re willing to drive a bit (no more than 35mins depending on where you are) Tribble Mill Park has great trails & water falls!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I give honor to God. Without Him, I wouldn’t have the gift! Secondly to my family, friends & employees. Without y’all, I couldn’t do it! Whether it’s an encouraging word, me running a recipe by you, or you just showing up to say “how can I help”, it all matters! I love you all for all that you do and all that you will continue to do!

Website: Smallbitesdining.com

Instagram: Iamphillipsmall

Other: Chef@smallbitesdining.com

Image Credits
Jeremiah Hunnus

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