We recently had the chance to connect with JQuan Robinson and have shared our conversation below.
JQuan, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
I’m blessed to have so many mentors and role models who’ve poured into me over the years. Each one has shaped me into the chef and business owner I am today. From seasoned chefs who taught me discipline and creativity in the kitchen, to community leaders who showed me the importance of giving back, I carry pieces of their wisdom with me every day. Right now, I find myself learning not just recipes or techniques, but also leadership, patience, and resilience. I’m deeply grateful for the people who continue to share their knowledge, push me to grow, and remind me that success is as much about lifting others up as it is about achieving your own goals.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is J’Quan Robinson also known as Chef Jay. I’m the owner of Exquisite Treats by Jay, a catering and private dining company built around creating experiences that are just as memorable as the food itself. What started with my love for desserts has grown into a brand that offers everything from elegant plated dinners to large scale catered events.
What makes Exquisite Treats by Jay unique is the heart behind it I don’t just cook meals, I create moments. Every dish is prepared with intentional flavor, presentation, and a touch of storytelling that reflects my journey and passion for hospitality. I also take pride in being deeply community oriented, partnering with local organizations, churches, and fundraisers to use food as a way to bring people together.
Right now, I’m working on expanding with a new concept. A ghost kitchen brunch venture in Charlotte. My vision is to not only serve creative brunch dishes but also create opportunities to mentor young chefs and provide jobs in the community. For me, it’s not just about serving food it’s about building connections, uplifting others, and leaving a lasting impact through the joy of dining.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I loved cooking, but I didn’t believe it could ever be more than just a hobby. I thought being a chef or owning a catering business was out of reach for someone like me. For a long time, I doubted whether my passion for food could actually become a career. Over the years, through trial, mentorship, and faith, I discovered that not only was it possible, but it was my true calling. Today, I no longer see cooking as just something I enjoy it’s the foundation of my business, my way of connecting with people, and the platform I use to create opportunities for others.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds of my life has been learning how to face doubt both my own and from others. There were times when people didn’t believe in my vision, and honestly, times when I didn’t believe in myself. Those moments hurt, but they also pushed me to grow. I healed by leaning on my faith, surrounding myself with mentors who encouraged me, and reminding myself that my passion for food and serving people was bigger than any setback. Cooking became my therapy and my way of turning pain into purpose. Every dish I create carries a piece of that journey proof that what once felt like a wound can transform into a source of strength
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is people taking care of them, uplifting them, and creating spaces where they feel valued. They know that food is my way of showing love and building connection, whether it’s through a catered event, a community fundraiser, or a private dinner. Beyond the kitchen, they’d tell you I care deeply about giving back, mentoring others, and leaving a positive impact on my community. At the end of the day, it’s not just about what’s on the plate it’s about how people feel when they walk away from the table.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I was someone who poured love into everything I did especially through food. That I used my gifts not only to build a business, but to build community. A big part of my story is my Auntie Mika, who inspired me with her strength and love. My future restaurant is in her honor. I want to be remembered as a chef who didn’t just serve meals, but created experiences that brought people together, lifted others up, and carried forward the values she instilled in me. If the story people tell is that I lived with purpose, shared my passion freely, and left others better than I found themthen I’ll know I did what I was meant to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Etbyjay.com
- Instagram: Et_byjay
- Facebook: Etbyjay
