What’s Going on in Rhode Island?

If you follow The At Home Chef on social media, like our Instagram or Facebook pages, you may have noticed that we’ve been spending quite a bit of time in Rhode Island. This may leave you wondering: what’s going on in Rhode Island?

We’re super proud of our Edgewood, Kentucky, roots. It’s the place we’ve called home for years, and it’s where the dream of TAHC became a reality. There’s no place like Kentucky—it’s got a down-home vibe that we really dig, and it’s connected us with amazing clients and friends.

So, when my wife, Julie, invited me to go with her to attend her lifelong friend’s birthday celebration, I reluctantly agreed to pack up and take the two hour flight up. I wasn’t excited about going, but I did it anyway.

And I hated it! It’s true. I was not excited about Rhode Island in my first visit. The entire culture was so different than my life at home, and I wasn’t exactly sure what to do or how to fit in. But, I had Julie to guide me on that first visit. When we decided to go back the next summer for vacation, I relied on Julie to help me with that visit, too.

On that vacation, I had more time to explore the things I love most: food, restaurants, markets, local vendors, and cultural events. I also got to know my new network of friends, and I admitted that the ‘Rhode Island’ experience was, maybe, not so bad afterall.

One vacation led into another, and eventually, I found my groove. I fell into a pattern of exploring the beauty of the Eastern shoreline. I ate fresh seafood and explored recipes with regional foods. I realized that I had a lot to learn from the way of life up there. People were motivated to be successful, and they had expectations of achievement. They set higher bars for dreams, goals, and attitudes than I was used to—and it revived my business drive and passion.

Don’t get me wrong: Greater Cincinnati is an amazing city with hugely talented and motivated people. But for me and my business, Rhode Island gave me the nudge I needed to move my business out of its comfort zone and into the world of “what could be.” I started to dream about where I could take The At Home Chef—expanding my customer base to include the loyal and amazing clients that I love in Cincinnati, and layering on new friends and experiences in Rhode Island. I had new food sources, new connections, and new places to experience.

I wake up grateful every single day of my life. Grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion. Grateful for amazing customers and friends and supporters who make it happen. Grateful for my new network in Rhode Island, where Julie and I are building a home. I’m grateful to be able to bring a little bit of Kentucky to the Rhode Island culture (they could use it!).

In no way are we trading in Cincinnati for Rhode Island. In fact, it’s just the opposite. We’re going to be growing in both areas and creating dining experiences for customers wherever they will have us. If you have questions, recommendations, or things we absolutely must experience in Rhode Island, let us know! We’re ready for the next adventure.