Los Angeles, California (The Hollywood Times) 5/01/2021 – Dr. Fredrick Jacobs is someone who embodies the phrase “take your passion and make it happen.” Fueled by a lifetime of culinary influences, Dr. Jacobs founded and spearheads the nation’s first soul food restaurant chain, Celebrity’s Soul Food. The quality casual concept serves up innovative soul food paired with exceptional customer service to make each guest feel like a star. What is next for Soul Food?
Take us on your path from radio personality to celebrity chef.
I was asked to launch Dr. J The Counselor on the Stevie Wonder owned KJLH 102.3 platform out of Los Angeles while I was equally exploring the Hospitality Industry. I am a psychologist by trade, so the show was specific to dealing with Relationships around the world. And My wife Taja Jacobs who is my co-host created a non-judgmental show that has an “Uncensored” perspective of relationships. The radio industry began to label me as the Celebrity’s Choice, as I counseled many of the Celebrities and their families. While doing so I created the concept of Celebrity’s Soul Food. Many years prior I was catering an event for Steve Harvey and it registered to me that there was not a leader in the Soul Food Cuisine, hence we are now “THE NEW MANAGERS OF SOUL FOOD.” I became intrigued with the question of, in all of History why no one has ever scaled Soul Food. I began to leverage my Entertainment platform to cater to notable Celebrities in my pop and catering locations.
Who have been your culinary influences?
It’s the grandmothers who put the time and love into the dishes that influenced me the most. I traveled asking the questions to those grandmothers as to the why’s to their recipes. Of course, there are lots of high-quality Chefs in the industry, but the heritage of Soul Food is about Family. Those who have been preparing this cuisine for generations have been my best teachers.
Celebrity’s Soul Food ® has pushed the boundaries with soul food. Tell us about the soul food that keeps people coming back.
“Soul Food” has a language all of its own. We have pushed the boundaries to elevate Soul Food. We are the First Soul Food Franchise and it’s because Franchising is duplication and consistency. It’s our systems and processes that will produce the necessary service and products which roll the Red Carpet out for all of our guests who ultimately are Stars.
You are Unveiling a menu for a National 200 Store Rollout. What excites you the most?
When my wife and I set down and created the concept, she was amazed that it took over a year for my team and me to create the menu. I am excited because the proper time and resources have been put in place to ensure the success of our selections. I have poured my heart and soul into each dish and am confident that it will reach the pallets of all who experience it.
What is Soul Food?
Soul food is an ethnic cuisine traditionally prepared and eaten by African-Americans in the Southern United States. The expression “soul food” originated in the mid-1960s, when “soul” was a common word used to describe African-American culture. At its core, soul food is basic, down-home cooking that’s been passed down through many generations, with its roots in the rural South. However, we push the boundaries with soul food and explore the traditional and exotic side of the cuisine.
You have new items at select locations, tell us about the Celebrity Status Wings, Star Pineapple Bowls, Glazed and Braised Oxtails, and Camel Meatloaf. Do you have a favorite?
The menu items were strategically selected to ensure that we met the needs of our traditionalist while drawing the millennials, Vegan, and Vegetarian lovers to experience our Star Treatment. We have invested in ingredients that are fresh, creative, and offer healthy options. My favorite would have to be our Celebrity Status Wings. I am a wing lover, and they are infused with 24 karat gold seasoning and sauce. Unique in presentation but the flavor captures you from the first bite.
What is the philosophy behind soul food?
Soul Food has been around for decades, it is attributed to be an African American cuisine, but I have begun to educate people that many other cultures prepare and create soul food. Soul Food is about rich history and love.
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