Today we’d like to introduce you to Freda Crump.
Hi Freda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Food service has been intertwined with my life since childhood, courtesy of my father, who opened his first Soulfood & Hotwing restaurant in 1991 when I was a mere 14 years old. From bustling days spent snapping peas and waiting tables to peeling crates of potatoes and yams to squeezing into the car amidst a jumble of supplies for the restaurant, every moment was a lesson in the industry. My journey as an entrepreneur commenced in 2011, spurred by a comical yet pivotal moment with a chicken pacing alongside my car. Dissatisfied with my current job, I confided in my father, who proposed that I dedicate the next five years to developing our family hot-wing enterprise, mirroring my commitment to my employer. Following deliberation, I sought a sign from the universe. Remarkably, within two hours, that sign manifested in the form of a chicken pacing beside my car. Henceforth, nurturing and expanding my business became my paramount objective. In August of 2011, my first restaurant opened its doors, marking the commencement of a journey peppered with accolades. We garnered numerous awards, including Top Start-Up of 2011, Top 40 Under 40, Who’s Who, and Best Hot Wings of Atlanta for 2012, 2013, and 2014. Additionally, we were honored to be selected as a food vendor for the Essence Festival in 2013, among other notable achievements. Fast forward to 2024, I returned to Memphis, where I own and operate Miss Crumpy’s Warehouse & Distribution Center.
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?
My journey has resembled an enormous roller coaster ride filled with moments of exhilarating laughter and heart-pounding fear. Growing up in Memphis, Crumpy’s was a household name, but I was the newcomer on the scene in Atlanta. Building a reputable brand from scratch proved to be an immense challenge. While social media offered some assistance, its impact was less widespread today. After six months in business, I faced dwindling funds and no lifeline. It was a crucial situation where I could choose between paying my mortgage or my store’s rent. Traditional avenues of support seemed inaccessible—I didn’t fit the criteria for programs aiding victims of domestic violence or single mothers, leaving me with few resources to turn to. Then, a glimmer of hope emerged when we were asked to cater a party. It was a pivotal moment that marked the turning tide for us.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
As CEO of a food and beverage distribution center, I provide strategic leadership and operational supervision to guarantee the seamless sourcing, storage, and distribution of premium products. I aim to enhance each business’s profitability through competitive wholesale pricing and diverse menu selections. I spearhead growth initiatives, streamlining supply chain operations, nurturing relationships with suppliers and clients, and upholding strict adherence to regulatory requirements. Ultimately, I focus on delivering outstanding service and value to our customers.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
A cherished childhood moment involves my dad unexpectedly picking me up from school one day. He mentioned a quick ride to show me something special. When we arrived at our destination, I was amazed by a sign that read “Crumpy’s Home Cooking!” That pivotal moment transformed my perspective. Witnessing my dad’s dream become a reality ignited within me the firm belief that my dreams could also manifest.
Contact Info:
- Website: warehouse.misscrumpys.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misscrumpys/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissCrumpysHotWings/posts/4606791172705561/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miss-crumpys-warehouse-distribution-05aa7345/
- Yelp: Overview | Miss Crumpy’s Warehouse & Distribution | Yelp for Business
