Meet Adam Alderman of Mantra Classic Cafe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Alderman.

Hi Adam, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
As a kid, I would help my mom and other family members in the kitchen whenever I could. I grew up knowing I wanted to cook. In my senior year of high school, I was a busboy and prep cook at a small family restaurant on Staten Island.

In 2004, I was living in Spanaway WA, and went to an Army recruiter and told him I wanted to cook. he did everything he could to change my mind, but I stood my ground. I did 10 years as an Army Food Service Specialist and deployed 3 times to Iraq and Afghanistan. Due to injuries, I suffered while I was serving, I got out after 9 years. I then worked at a couple of places and a few different restaurants. I obtained a culinary arts degree in 2018 and in 2019, I decided to start working as a private chef and a caterer. I now cater private dinners for couples or small groups and weddings for several locations and people around the Nashville Area.

I’m always willing to travel I have gone as far as Huntsville, AL, and as far north as Hopkinsville KY. Throughout my journey, I have had 2 things constantly by my side, 1 was my wife Tracy and 2 was the support and talent God has given me to be able to cook food that people enjoy. Without those things, I would have never been able to get as far as I am. I work hard to show my children that achieving their dreams isn’t crazy. I love that my kids come and work with me on jobs from oldest to my youngest, my whole family is part of my business, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Covid 19 has presented challenges for many businesses. Mine is no exception. Building a steady clientele and getting my name out to the public has been the most prominent struggle for me.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
1. I created the name from the members of my family. each letter is the first initial of a family member’s name.

2. I try to create meals for each request differently.

3. I am more interested in the menu preferences than the budget; I feel that it is most important to get my clients a menu they want that will fit within their budget. In my head, I feel every bride knows what they want for a meal but is afraid to ask for it because of cost.

4. My goal is to make the client’s dream meal fit into their budget. I don’t have a specialty I am pretty versatile in my abilities.

I’m proud of the fact that I get to work with a lot of people and every request is a way to make someone’s day special. My goal is to make the best quality of food and experience with me as a private chef or caterer. I would like the planning process to be as easy as possible with little to no stress.

5. Brand-wise, I am proud to be able to create unique flavors for my clients. I have had unique requests such as Southern Tex-Mex vegetarian. That was a fun challenge for me to put together. I also enjoy creating individualized sauces and flavors for my clients.

6. I love being able to make meals for everyone.

Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I have always looked up to my parents and my in-laws. My parents were hard workers and did the best they could on limited budgets. My dad had a very creative mind and could do great things with food that helped me think of ways to solve problems and my mom and stepdad have always supported me no matter what I needed.

Once I was an adult and married, Tracy’s parents took me as their own. Her dad was always there to lend advice and guide me if I needed it and her mom to this day treats me as her son. She continues to work hard and strives to be the best person she can be for her family.

I can honestly say my family is there for me to cheer me on. Other mentors I have looked up to are my instructors from school. I can still call them if I need a solution for a menu.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mantra-classic-cafe.ueniweb.com/
• Instagram: @chef_adam80