Meet Vivian Gregory | Chef/ Cater

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vivian Gregory and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vivian, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My business started out as a class project that was always a childhood dream. It really started with a Easy Bake oven and progress to cooking alongside my parents. I was always told I would be a great Chef and Business owner but it wasn’t until Johnson and Wales- Charlotte open that it became a reality. I’m a small business that still dreams of being in a thriving market and I would love to feed the masses with what I call “Healthy Soul Food”. Its my take on Southern Cuisine but with more Love and Less calories. I keep positive vibes and I pray and meditate on everything about my business from recipes to displays of flower arrangements.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve had many challenges to happen to me in life that has caused many set backs in my growing business but that doesn’t stop me. From being a survivor of Domestic Violence, the Recessions and Pandemics alone will supply you with a resilient mind set but its the success of being an American that is trying to achieve the American Dream and complete my instilled family mission which is servitude isn’t a negative but what makes you a great leader. If you can feed or provide a drink to someone who can’t supply the demand for themselves then you are the more powerful being. Because you are able to provide to a need that one couldn’t do for themselves. Life hasn’t been easy but I keep moving forward until Christian Delight has the opportunity to feed the need that is hurting many and that is: Lack of love, nourishment, healing and encouragement through a meal. Food is just like a smile to me its universal. If your meal is prepared with hate and discuss in your heart and hands the meal will taste as if it is lacking or too much of something, but its when you can put on your favorite tunes and let the love come through will you achieve any recipe and that’s what I live by as well. Keep moving, don’t stop. The love and strength will grow as you continue to move. Life is in movement. I would like everyone to know about me and my business is that yes there are many chefs and yes its many growing home cooks but its only one Vivian Gregory that is providing love with her soups, its only one Vivian Gregory providing happiness in your heart and not around your waistline too! My brand is decades of sitting at the elders feet of anyone’s family eager to learn and those elders poured love on to me and that’s what keeps me going and I thrive with. I don’t want their stories to get lost so I will cook and feed the masses and share their stories through food.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I share with anyone and everyone NoDa and Southend. Growing up in Charlotte, NC I have watched these two foundations expand to culture of Charlotte and not just address of cross streets. Noda which was Uptown Charlotte was known as North Davidson and yes it was a neighborhood that needed love but it still was a place of diversity being only a view blocks from Plaza Midwood. I grew up knowing that culture and exotic night life was near these major thriving neighborhoods and the people created the culture and love that was given the name Noda. You can go anytime of the day and find vendors, smiles, children playing, generations talking to each other and its all surrounded by a good Gelato at Sprinkle or a walk through the vendors and go to my favorite spot for great vibes, Well waters and delicious bar food at Jack Beagles but its the Members Only Tasting Room that I send a lot of visitors to. Especially on Sunday for the bottomless Mimosas.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Daughters are my credit, My oldest middle name is Christine and she was a Delight throughout college with eating my recipes and encouraging me to explore more taste than what we are accustom too. That’s how in 2004 I created my business. My youngest daughter love baking, cooking and everything that actually hits all her taste buds. So she helps with product development. I work a regular job but its Family time that I equate my success to my daughters Brianna, Kendra and Sheryce. They are honest critics and they supply the passion and love behind my smile and love you can taste in my gifts of love. Food.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/christian.delight.catering?igshid=14fczesnw3zos

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristianDelightCatering/

Other: christiandelightcatering2@gmail.com