Family Of Entrepreneurs Open Black-Owned Catering Company In Charlotte

In the heart of “Queen City,” Charlotte, North Carolina, a local black-owned catering company named Sweet Potato Jones is more than just a culinary haven – it’s a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit deeply ingrained in one family, according to WSOC-TV.

Patrick Jones, a native of Queen City, embarked on a journey to convince his girlfriend, Carla, originally from Chicago, to embrace his hometown. A casual visit turned into a significant juncture when Patrick networked during a job interview, leading him to a successful career in computer science. 

Sweet Potato Jones was born out of Carla’s transition from throwing Patrick’s 40th birthday bash into turning her love for parties into a thriving side hustle. The endless requests for her expertise fueled the creation of their event and catering company.

“You would see people get instant gratification from the food that they eat,” remarked Amber Jones, Head Chef of Sweet Potato Jones. “So that was what I saw that said I wanna give that same kind of experience through food to people.”

Amber, like her parents, has ventured into catering on the side, while her siblings have carved their own entrepreneurial paths. Patrick “PJ” Jones II serves as the CEO of Applesauce and Crackers, a pajama clothing line, while Ryan Jones owns the braiding hairline XclusiveLeigh.

Reflecting on their diverse ventures, PJ emphasized that nothing was forced upon them, allowing each family member to find their unique lane. Patrick attributes this entrepreneurial spirit to their parents, highlighting the sacrifices and hard work of his father, who built a house for his beautician mother.

Sweet Potato Jones has found immense success, with Carla even considering joining Amber full-time due to the overwhelming demand. “The business has just gone through the roof beyond our imagination. And so we’re very grateful for that,” expressed Carla.

In essence, Sweet Potato Jones is more than a black-owned catering company; it is a celebration of family, passion, and the entrepreneurial legacy that runs deep in the Jones family.

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