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

Hi Phillip, how do you think about risk?
I’ve always believed that anytime you have a goal, it takes risk no matter what your career choice is. The term “risk” is something everyone is capable of but most are afraid to execute. I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur at the age of 17. The thought of being a line cook or sous chef for the rest of my career wasn’t going to satisfy me. I made a decision to work harder and risk having a weekly pay check to work for myself full time.

It’s always scary in this stage of life but believing in yourself and trusting the process can go a long way. There was never a time that I wasn’t afraid and many times I wanted to give up but I always kept my eye on the goal. Risk taking never ends, you’ll always do this as long as you’re an entrepreneur. I find myself personally having anxiety in my daily work schedule but I want to be the best chef I can. I look up to so much amazing and talented chefs who have taken risks beyond measures. All of your sacrifices will be worth it in the end but it takes hard work.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
CalosCo’s offers catering for a variety of customers, such as Weddings, Corporate Events, Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, Birthday Parties, Private Events, Homecoming Tailgates and more. Along with catering, we also offer Private Chef Services, Custom Homemade Cakes, Pastries, Custom Cupcakes, Chocolate Covered Desserts, Homemade Breads and more. We cater different cuisines like Italian, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Mexican, Latin, Persian, Creole, Asian, Hawaiian, Southern, and more.

Chef Phil has been told that he is very personable and his professionalism is top-tier. Customers call his food “5-star restaurant” worthy. The presentation, the food, and the hospitality are unmatched and unique. Chef pays attention to detail with every dish he prepares and is very particular about each event that’s catered. Chef cooks from the heart with pride, and it pours into each creation. The food is always fresh and prepared from scratch.

It’s been a challenging road since the beginning of my career. In every industry you have to do the impossible to make it to your goal. I worked in restaurants I didn’t want to, I worked long hours I didn’t want to, and I took pay cuts that I didn’t want to. I was so focused on the passion and becoming an entrepreneur, I pushed through each day. Now that I’m an entrepreneur, it’s still not a smooth road, and it’s tougher at times. But it’s all worth it when your customers are happy, and that’s when I know it’s only the beginning for me. Even through the hard times you have to think ahead and make a sacrifice daily for your business. You’re building a brand that takes time, patience, and dedication.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga., so it’s many hidden gems, places to visit and exciting atmosphere. As of now, one of my favorite places to visit is the Beltline, which has many activities and restaurants with great food. Hawker’s, Kevin Rathbun Steak, One Flew South, Beetlecat and more are amazing places to eat with beautiful atmosphere. Bar Margot, Bon Ton, Wylie & Rum Island Bar and Grill, El Malo all have great cocktails if you’re looking for somewhere to drink.

Atlanta is so busy, it’s always a great festival in town or a concert, but I love going to the Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Piedmont Park, High Museum of Art on First Fridays, Ponce City Market, SkyView Atlanta, Atlantic Station and many more for great fun. If I had my bestfriend in town, we would have a full day of activities with amazing places to eat.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t have a mentor that believed in me and a mother that supported me. My mentor, the late Chef Patricia Francis took me under her wings at the age of 17. I knew I wanted to be a chef but I had no idea where to start. She trained me in food cost, customer service, technique, buffet set up, presentation, time management, cake decorating and so much more. I learned so much from such an inspiring chef. My business thrives even more today because she invested in me.

My mother is also one of my inspirations in the culinary field. She catered baby showers, bridal showers, private parties and more growing up as a child. I watched and learned many family recipes from her in the kitchen. She taught me that it takes hard work, dedication and long hours in the kitchen to have the best product. Throughout my career so far, she’s been my main encouragement. My mother will always be my chef and mentor in the kitchen.

I have a tremendous amount of support and love in my life. My family and mentor are my biggest supporters. Even my customers give me such an incredible amount of love that I always cherish. Thank you to my customers new and old for always choosing CalosCo’s.

Website: https://www.caloscocb.world

Instagram: @caloscocb @chefphil_calosco

Image Credits
Michole Kemp of ShotbyMK

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.