Daily Inspiration: Meet Simone Bingham of Porkyz Mac & Cheeze

Today we’d like to introduce you to Simone Bingham.

Hi Simone, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My parents migrated to Canada from Jamaica in the 70s. I have 7 siblings, 6 brothers and 1 sister. We have always been a close family and no matter how busy we got we always made time and had a lot of family gatherings. My older brother Michael would bake his famous six-cheese mac pie or lasagna. This recipe has been with the family for over 15 years. Michael had so much passion when it came to cooking and dreamt of opening a catering business. We always shared ideals and cooking techniques and I was lucky enough to learn his Mac recipe.

In July 2017, Michael suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away. This was a huge loss to our family and we all struggled to make sense of what happened. We decided to try and move on as best we could and kept having our family gatherings, but it was difficult knowing that Michael would not be there. I wanted my parents and family to still feel his presence, what a better way than to make his loved mac pie. I made several pies before adding his techniques and perfecting it but this also helped me grieve and come to terms with what had happened. Now at every family event, I am the one being asked to bring the Macaroni pie.

In June 2021, my friend had a potluck birthday party and of course, I brought my mac. I had a couple people ask me about it and if i could do some for their gathering, that’s when it came to me. I can make Michael’s dream come true through me, and this is how Porkyz started. I decided on the name Porkyz because Michael’s nickname was “Porky”, given by the family, his recipes, his name on the business. I created an Instagram page and started promoting my business. I started off with the basic Mac and Cheese recipe and since then ( 1year later) I now have 6 different styles.

1. The 6ix Cheeze: A classic 6 cheese pie. Cavatappi noodles, 6 cheese blend, baked in our signature cheese sauce, topped with a cheese crust
2. Smokie 6ix: Cavatappi noodles, 6 cheese blend, baked in a signature cheese sauce, topped with a double-smoked cheese crust
3. Da Mac Burga: Cavatappi noodles, white & green onions, mixed & topped with a layer of ground beef, baked in our signature cheese sauce, 6 cheese blend with added gruyere cheese, topped with a double-smoked cheese crust
4. Island Smoke: Diced chicken thighs marinated in an authentic Jamaican Jerk seasoning, cavatappi noodles, white and green onions, mixed & topped with a layer of jerk chicken, glazed pineapples, 6 cheese blend, baked in our signature cheese sauce, topped with smoked cheese.
5. Da Phillie Willie:AAA Steak marinated in a sweet sauce, cavatappi noodles, mixed & topped with a layer of steak, sautéed cremini & portobello mushrooms, onions, green peppers, 6 cheese blend with added provolone cheese, baked in our signature cheese sauce.
6. Smokie Shrimp: Mixed and topped with sautéed Garlic Chili or Garlic Butter shrimp, cavatappi noodles, 6 cheese blend, baked in our signature cheese sauce, topped with a double-smoked cheese crust
Each style represents a special memory I shared with my brother. All of our recipes only use Halal meat as Michael did not eat pork so you will not see pork anywhere on our menu.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Although I’ve worked in the financial industry for over 15 years, I have no business or marketing experience whatsoever.

It was not a smooth road to start but knowing I had guidance from my family and friends helped a lot and most people don’t have that. When I felt like giving up, they told me to keep doing this, Michael is here and he is proud of me.

I spent endless days and nights searching for the right invoice app, supplies, creating a logo, comparing prices all while working full time. I know that anything worthwhile does not come easy, so i was up for the challenge. After being diagnosed with anxiety and depression, I felt like giving up, it seemed like it was too much, but I did it for Michael. I then started to get some amazing feedback from the customers and food bloggers and that kept me going.

Some obstacles: determining how to price my products. Finding the right cheese that will give that awesome pull effect. Supply and demand for supplies during covid was extremely difficult as I was not willing to change the recipe. It was also hard for me to make the decision to increase the prices slightly because of the inflation on food products. In the end, if you provide a great product to your customes, they will support you since they know they are getting quality. I’m blessed to have such loyal customers.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a full-time Credit Risk Analyst for a well-known financial company. I have been in the industry for over 15 years. When I am not working, I am either enjoying my love for horror movies, spending time with my family, or raising my dogs- American bullies. I am most known for knowing everything about horror movies.

I am most proud of the development of Porkyz. Again, having no experience in marketing or business – having 350+ followers is just mind-blowing to me. People knowing of my brother Michael and keeping his spirit alive is another proud aspect of my life.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I am very close with my dad as we are two peas in a pod. He is a very kind and quite man who likes the simple life. He would prefer to do things with the kids at home than go out, but my favourite memory is when he took me to the movies, just him and I. A movie called The Phantom ( staring Billy Zane) came out my dad wanted to see it because this was a comic book hero he grew up reading in Jamaica as a child. My dad never goes out, he is a home body, but this time he wanted to go. I will forever cherish that memory with him.

Michael and I were both born in Sept; however, he was 10 years older. We were so much alike. My favorite memories are watching horror movies with him. Halloween and Zombie movies were his favorite. I was always scared but knowing my big bro was there to fight off the monsters at night time saved me.

Pricing:

• Frozen Minis $6+ Buy 4 get 1 Free
• Personals $13+ Buy 2 receive 10%off buy 3 receive 20%off
• Shareable $28+, Small $40+, Med $55+ Party Trays $90+
• Rollies ( Deep Fried Mac Spring Rolls) $3.00+, Mac Bombs ( Deep Fried Mac Balls) $2.50+
• The above are starting prices and increase based on additional toppings.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @porkyzmacpie https://instagram.com/porkyzmacpie?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.porkyzmacpie. ca – Coming Soon