We recently had the chance to connect with Percy Chalmers Jr and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Percy, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
What’s often misunderstood about my business is the scale and professionalism I operate with. People sometimes assume Percy Plates is just a side hustle or only for small plate sales but I actually cater both small and large-scale events. From intimate brunches and private dinners to weddings, university functions, and corporate events serving hundreds, I bring the same level of quality, planning, and execution every time. This is a fully licensed, service-driven catering business not just someone cooking out the kitchen. Everything I do is intentional, structured, and designed to create a memorable experience for the client.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Percy Chalmers Jr., the chef and founder behind Percy Plates a Southern-inspired catering brand rooted in bold flavor, soulful presentation, and elevated service. I started cooking in my college dorm back in 2018, hustling plate by plate, and officially launched my business in 2023. Since then, I’ve catered everything from weddings and corporate luncheons to university tailgates and elegant dinner parties.
What makes Percy Plates special is the mix of authenticity and professionalism you’re getting that homemade, from-the-heart flavor with five-star service and detail. My slogan is ‘Treat Yourself, Don’t Cheat Yourself,’ and that’s what I bring to every table: food that feels like home, presented with purpose.
Right now, I’m expanding the brand through larger catering contracts, event experiences, and educational opportunities including cooking classes and community outreach. Whether it’s a small gathering or a 500-person celebration, Percy Plates is here to serve flavor, passion, and excellence.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with my mom. The love she poured into me and the way she believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself gave me the confidence to chase my purpose. She’s been my biggest supporter, reminding me of my worth, my talent, and my calling, even in moments of doubt. That kind of unconditional love shaped not just how I see myself, but how I move through life and business today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me patience, humility, and faith in ways that success never could. It showed me how to keep going when nothing was going right, and how to create something out of nothing. It made me resourceful, grounded, and grateful not just for the wins, but for the lessons in the losses. Success feels good, but suffering shaped me. It taught me to lead with heart, to be intentional, and to never take anything not even a small opportunity for granted.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is respect for myself, my craft, and the people I serve. In every space I walk into, from the kitchen to the community, I lead with integrity. I believe in honoring where I come from, keeping traditions alive through food, and making sure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Whether it’s a client, a team member, or a guest at the table respect is non-negotiable. It’s the foundation of how I do business and how I live.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that Percy Chalmers Jr., better known as Percy Plates, built more than just a catering brand he built a legacy rooted in love, flavor, and purpose. I want folks to remember that I started with just a vision in a dorm room, and through every challenge, I stayed true to who I was and where I came from. I hope they say I made people feel seen, fed, and valued that every plate told a story, and every event felt like home.
When I’m gone, I want the story to be that I didn’t just serve food, I served my people, my culture, and my purpose. And that Percy Plates wasn’t just a business it was a movement, a ministry, and a reminder to always ‘treat yourself, don’t cheat yourself.’
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/percypplates?igsh=bWRxaHl1MTlmdWsw
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/percychalmersjr?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: https://x.com/percypplates?s=21
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19qGxgL6jA/?mibextid=wwXIfr
