Daily Inspiration: Meet Kevin Livingston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Livingston. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Kevin Livingston, and I’ve been a resident of Middle Tennessee since the end of 2006. After a few years in the music industry, I began a career working in restaurants. I started at the bottom and worked my way up to management quickly. I’ve always loved cooking, and I’m a self-taught chef. I have worked in amazing restaurants under some great chefs, but everything I do is all self-taught. I have been a front-of-house manager, dining manager, and bar manager. I’ve also worked in the kitchen in a few restaurants perfecting my craft. At the beginning of the covid pandemic, I was managing a restaurant in Brentwood. We shut down during the lockdown, so I worked at the owner’s other restaurant during that time. When things began to reopen, I felt a shift in my passion for the business. I loved serving others and wanted to continue doing that. But I noticed many guests weren’t comfortable dining out. As a way to tap into that market, I began working on my private chef concept in Fall of 2020, and I launched “The Pop Up Chef, LLC” in Fall of 2021. I created it to be a restaurant experience in the comfort of the homes of the guests. 

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?
It honestly has been a smooth road, and I’m thankful for that. I read a book in early 2020 called “The Slight Edge.” It teaches you principals of making daily choices that lead you to success. Mine started with the idea of The Pop Up Chef. I would do something each day that eventually led to me launching, and it took a year. One day I would test a recipe. The next day I would research any certifications I needed. One day I would gradually work on the menu. It all added up, and I knew the timing was right when I was ready to launch. The day I launched, I had my website done, business cards printed, brochures printed, social media accounts activated, menu done, and photos of what my business would be. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a private chef for hire specializing in intimate dinner parties. I bring a restaurant experience to you in your home. I am known for beautiful design, creative menus, and elegant presentations. I am most proud of launching this on my own and watching it explode. What sets me apart is my background in food, liquor/beer/wine knowledge, design, and decor. I can do it all when it comes to creating a dining experience. 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I feel like the app I use the most is Canva. It’s so easy for creating quick menus, fliers, and fast marketing materials. I love reading cookbooks and memoirs from my favorite chefs. Erin French of “The Lost Kitchen” `really inspired me to launch my business. I love everything she does, and I feel like her style is so similar to my own. My friend & entrepreneur Mitch has a podcast called “Rise & Revitalize” and it’s incredibly motivating. Each episode really motivates me to be a better version of myself and my business. 

Contact Info:

• Email: thekevinlivingston@gmail.com
• Website: www.thepopupchef.net
• Instagram: thepopupchefllc
• Facebook: The Pop Up Chef, LLC