Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian & Alisha Echols.
Hi Brian & Alisha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Echols Catering is a family-oriented, full-of-faith, small, black-owned business. We began as a married couple simply posting up around Memphis with our barbecue grill. Our goal was to sell plates to raise money to fund mission trip opportunities offered by a local church. With those blessings, Brian & I have traveled to Kenya, Africa, Uganda, Louisiana, Alabama, and other locations to serve on various mission trips, including disaster relief. We have also been able to serve youth in multiple ways throughout our city. Catering may be the bread and butter, but serving and pouring into the youth is our heart.
The luxury of providing food to others has been nothing short of amazing. Our business was birthed from supporters who continued to place food orders long after our missions were funded. At some point, my spouse and I were like, “Hey, we may be onto something here’. We discussed becoming legit, prayed about it, and made it official.
In January 2021, we officially became Echols Catering LLC. Three years later, we are flourishing and continuing to enhance our knowledge of entrepreneurship. We are grateful for the love our city has shown us. We love meeting new people and building relationships. Most importantly, we sincerely advocate showing love and supporting other entrepreneurs and local businesses in our community.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Ooh, challenges! As previously mentioned, Echols Catering became official in January 2021. Towards the end of 2022, Brian & I both hit roadblocks with our full-time jobs. We had to discuss, intentionally plan, lean on, and push forward with our journey as small business owners. Life forced us to pivot and focus more on prayer and the processes of growing our business. At that point, it was about survival. We needed to be sustainable enough to care for our family and bills. Time doesn’t stop just because life has thrown you into simultaneous trials and problematic issues. We threw ourselves into the extensive support system of entrepreneurial resources that Memphis has to offer. We began networking and registering for workshops and seminars. We intently focused on branding and getting our name out there. Echols Catering has been a God-breathed blessing. Because of our trials and our roadblocks, we are sure to maintain that component of serving, supporting, and giving back. Because of our grit and grind, Echols Catering is a success. Because of our passion and spirit of “Never give up,” we launched a second business in August 2023, Amplified Investments Corp, offering our community modern, affordable residential properties for rental opportunities.
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?
Echols Catering is designed to be more of an experience than an operating business. We specialize in people, what they want, and what they need, and we give our all to exceed our clients’ expectations. We sincerely care about the people we serve. By choosing Echols Catering, you automatically become the recipient of a servant’s heart dedicated to providing excellence by adding flavor to your most memorable events. Every occasion is special. Our day-to-day isn’t just a job; it’s who we are. We aim for our joyfulness to be included in every bite. Echols Catering also offers Bar Service. We are trained and licensed to adequately and responsibly serve our clients beer, wine, & liquor. We’ve serviced multiple large corporations throughout the city of Memphis. Weddings, birthdays, and other celebratory events are our favorite because we love seeing our clients have a phenomenal time. Our people, our clients, are the fuel that drives us daily. They keep us motivated and full of determination. We are proud to be a part of the small black business community. We are pleased to be entrepreneurs who are an influential asset in Memphis and surrounding areas. We are Echols Catering.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Ironically, we both grew up in North Memphis. Born & raised with the heart of Memphis, we hung out in the same circle of friends yet didn’t ever cross paths in adulthood. We love our city. Memphis has a very diverse culture, yet our hearts are the same. It is known to be a city of music, influence, and historical passion. We believe in grit, grind, and the art of “get it how you live” Lol! What we love most about our city are the people and the events that get the people “outside.” There is always much to do and even more to learn about. As foodies, we love to try the new and upcoming restaurants. We are colossal brunch and BBQ people. We love eating, dancing, laughing, people-watching, and having a good time. There are a few attributes about the city that we least like. However, there is a reputation building around the city of Memphis relating to its crime, poverty, homelessness, food scarcity, and overall leadership. Memphis has always been a city that has thrived on its ability to bounce back amid trials, tribulations, and unexpected circumstances. But that’s what makes the city great.
Contact Info:
- Website: echolscatering.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/echolscatering
- Facebook: facebook.com/echolscatering
- Other:We are ABC certified, able to provide bar services throughout TN.
Image Credits
Sidney Shields, Alisha Echols
