Exploring Life & Business with Crystal Butler of Quizine Orleans

Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Butler.

Hi Crystal, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in New Orleans, I was always surrounded by southern hospitality, good food, and home cooking. My mom had a job offer in Raleigh, NC back in 1998. After she relocated, I decided to make the move one year later. I was a single mother who needed support and wanted to be closer to my mom. My mom always cooked, and people who were native to Raleigh loved her food. They would go crazy about the different dishes such as Jambalaya, Cajun Dirty Rice, Gumbo, and especially her Fried Chicken. I love and have the passion for cooking and wanted to be a part of the excitement of people feeling good, having fun, enjoying great food and drinks. I was her help in the kitchen, which gave me an opportunity to learn the way she cooked. She says “you can always tell when someone really wants to cook or if they are just throwing something together”. Meaning you have to put your heart in it! After moving to Raleigh, I saw the need for authentic New Orleans food. There were restaurants that tried to replicate but didn’t have the true genuine flavor that represented the culture of New Orleans.

Working in the hospitality industry, I found my calling. I started working as a server, then bartending, and promoted to upper management. All of my working experiences motivated me. I wanted to become a business owner and open a restaurant. It wasn’t until I worked as a Banquet Manager and Operations Manager with one of the largest caterer in the Raleigh/Durham area, Rocky Top Catering, that I knew that catering was what I wanted to do. Now, that I have the opportunity to work out of Hubb Kitchen, (a commercial kitchen), my business has expanded to a larger scale. I thank God for my life partner, Richard that encourages me to keep pushing forward and also for the people that support and believe in me. This makes all the difference when building a business.

I Obtained my bachelor’s degree in Business Management and my MBA in Leadership, I have gained the knowledge and expertise that allows me to pursue and take my passion to another level. With over 25 years of experience in the food & beverage industry, I decided to start a catering and meal plan service, “Quizine Orleans”. My dedication to this brand is to provide each client with excellent food and outstanding service. I don’t just cook great food, I provide an experience that one will always remember.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
One of my biggest challenges was to know my worth and believe in myself. Stepping out on faith is what solidified me to become a business owner. I was able to focus on building my business, putting in the hours, and doing the work. Nothing is handed to you. Staying persistent and consistent is key. Even when it doesn’t look good and you become discouraged, you must keep going. There were days that I thought that I couldn’t run a business because I didn’t have faith in myself or I would say I don’t know how to do that or wondered where the money would come from. Every dollar made was spent just as fast. Managing, building, and continuing to grow is what stage I’m in. There is so much progress to be made. I am in the thick of it, it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

As you know, we’re big fans of Quizine Orleans. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Quizine Orleans specializes in authentic New Orleans food. Styles of cooking consist of Cajun, Creole, and Southern Cuisine. Services include catering and delivery for all special occasions and for all types of events; weddings, birthdays, family-style menus, corporate events and more. Quizine Orleans also offer a meal planning service. This service provides individuals with healthy delicious food at affordable prices. The reason why I created the meal planning service is because of my desire to feed people on a daily basis. And, to showcase the true authentic New Orleans cuisine. Many of my clients usually order 5 to 14 meals per week. This help my clients stop eating unhealthy fast foods, save them time and money. My goal is to expand this service to over 100 clients per week.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advise is to be open and willing to learn from others, be able to network with all people, never try to overdo it, and be yourself.

Contact Info:

• Email: crystal@quizineorleans.com
• Website: quizineorleans.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quizineorleans/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuizineOrleansCatering/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/quizine-orleans-raleigh