Meet Antwan Short Sr. | Chef & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Antwan Short Sr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Antwan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had been told every place I worked, “I wish I had another `you.” I hadn’t put much thought into that statement. I was always so happy to work and have a Job. A lot of the time the workload would shift my way due to the fact. It didn’t come with any extra pay. At best, I could at least leave work on time. I had a supervisor try to give me a downgraded yearly review just because I was new. Although management corrected it I knew it was time to go, if I was going to have to fight for what I deserved. One day I just decided if my time would be dictated, it should be by me. At least I might respect it a little more. I didn’t know what I was going to do at the time. Yet, it was time for me to bet on me! I turned in my Two weeks notice and decided to go back to school for business. Taking advantage of my military benefits. This would be my first step in the process.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I created The Man With A Pan while in school. It wasn’t intentional at the time. I would cook and post pictures on social media. This was during the big hashtag period. I needed a hashtag for my pictures, So after a quick thought I just started using #TheManWithAPan. My pictures would get support but I never feed into it. I’m not a big social media person. So I must say now looking back. Being able to notice my gift and take advantage is what I’m most proud of. It was not an easy feat at all but it was well worth it. The number one challenge for me initially was starting capital. I didn’t have much to invest in my dream. While in school I saved all the money I could and paid off as much debt to improve my credit score. I got my affairs in order only to find out that business loans don’t often go to new businesses. Yet, they have no issue with giving you a student loan. I took one my last semester even though the military had me covered. This was that part where I bet on myself. All the moves I made were part of a strategy, to include school. The lesson I learned while going through this process is persistence is key. Also, A no right now could just be a no right now. Here at The Man With A Pan we look to provide patrons with great food at a good cost. Along with potentially providing opportunities for others in the future. We seek prosperity, but more than anything we seek to be a blessing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I were to have a friend come to and visit they would most likely be a temporary employee or home. Most businesses fail within the first year and if they make it past that the next two are a hump. I am locked in until my three-year mark so until then it’s about business and family. With the exception that I do love to eat. I’m a big fan of the Mediterranean diet. Fayetteville has a gem I discovered while in school called Pharophs. It’s the most authentic tasting I’ve had stateside. So I’d have to get a friend there. Along with a basketball game or two. I spend a lot of time at my kid’s events. I’m so focused on my long-term wants I seldomly take time to enjoy the ones now. Becoming an entrepreneur put a strain on most of my friendships. My real friends understand though. I want something!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicated this Shoutout to my mother Jessie Marie Short. This year has been fourteen years since her passing. You left me physically but the lessons you instilled remained. They are the reason I am the man I am today. I would not be anywhere near the man I am without your rearing and guidance. Thanks, Mom This is for you!

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