Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Forbes.
Hi Christopher, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I am from Miami, FL. Raised in Liberty City which is a very poor and crime-filled project home area of Miami. My Father is from the Bahamas. My Mother is from Miami. My Father was a Caribbean Chef who did construction on the side in order to pay the bills. He taught me everything I know now and since the age of 13. I remember scaling fish, cleaning them, and grilling them over fire pits at a very early age.
Seeing my father come home after a long day’s work and still prepare 5star meals for the family, clients and guests caught my attention early and that’s when I began to fall in love with cooking. My father I’d the one who taught my mother how to cook. She began to add her own style to the dishes and now is well known in the community for her meals. Seeing the love and smiles on people’s faces after preparing meals for them is heaven on earth. It’s my peace and mental getaway. It doesn’t feel like work.
I ended up earning a full scholarship to Utah State University to play football in 2004. I would cook and host BBQs and cookouts on a regular til it became a norm for me and my group of friends. After retiring from football and graduating with my Bachelor’s degree I enrolled in the Culinary program at the Art Institute of Salt Lake City. Gaining more knowledge and adding to my craft I begin to gain attention from social media. One day a friend of mine suggested that I get my business license and make it official.
Mentioned that I have the potential to do something special. I later reached out to Roscoe B Thicke who is my older brother for a logo. He is a very influential artist in Miami, FL who also dabbles with graphics. He created my Miami Bites logo to pay homage to my culture and city roots specializing in Soul Food and Caribbean Cuisine. Next, I received help from Jerome Barbour who is my partner in crime and who is also responsible for helping me launch my company.
He provided me with the cinematic visuals and marketing that you see on my IG/FB/YouTube profile. The last piece of the puzzle was also a partner of mine Tabarri Hamilton. Not only did he provide the open kitchen space to spark the movement, but he also is responsible for some of the photography content that helped launch Miami Bites.
To this day those 3 individuals are key to my success and growth as a Chef and as an Entrepreneur. My motivation is my Family. My fiancé, my son, my small group of friends, and my supporters.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Challenge for me was not having the funding early in the process to rent kitchens, buy space and hire support.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an Ex D1 Athlete turned Chef that specializes in Caribbean and Soul Food Cuisine. I’m known for my versatility when in what I cook.
The flavors that I bring to my dishes and the Caribbean style in which I cook. I’m most proud of the number of people that I can serve even though I lack the physical support and extra hands around the kitchen. What set me apart from others is that it’s hard to find flavors/dishes that match what I do in the entire state.
Bringing a Miami flare and Caribbean vibe to the Rocky Mountains is what makes me far different from my competitors.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Networking has worked for me because I don’t have any shame or embarrassing feelings toward reaching out for help and wisdom. I love posting my gigs and giving shout-outs to my clients.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Miamibites_chefforbes
- Facebook: @MiamiBites
- Youtube: @MiamiBites
Image Credits
Jerome Barbour Jr. Photography by Tabarri Hamilton and Graphics by Roscoe B. Thicke
