Meet Jay Jones | Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jay Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jay, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I just KNEW I had something special with my Golden Chicken Batter and my Golden Waffle Mix! My customers would rave about how they never tasted anything like it before. I had no clue how I was gonna do it but thank God I found a way. I wanted to change the breakfast game and break up the monotony in what’s always offered. My goal is to be in grocery stores this year.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is truly a league of it’s own. No one has the flavors I have or the quality by far. My chicken batter is the CRISPIEST and has the most gorgeous consistent golden color everytime. My waffle mixes are also available in Southern Flavors no one has even attempted to create. From Peach Cobbler to my Grandma’s Secret Praline recipe, I definitely set the bar. The proudest moment would have to be me physically holding my product after I put in blood, sweat and hella tears. To simply be in the moment and see my vision come to life was wild! I invested everything I had , I didn’t have a job at the time but something told me TAKE THE RISK! This is going to make you and your future kids millionaires. I’d say while I am still learning the biggest lesson I learned was that failure is ok. I had failed so many times in the beginning but now I look back and I’m grateful for mistakes early on so I don’t repeat them when I’m on a higher level. I want the world to know that I didn’t make any excuses , I literally had people tell me go get a job, give up, it’ll never happen and all kinds of b.s. I’m doing quite well, my social media is popping and I’m even auditioning for a major TV show. This is my time

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well first I’d take them to the Green Horse off Centinela to get some of Rosa’s fire ass tacos. Def get some margaritas there also then head out to hear some live music at the District off Crenshaw. Next day we would def have to hit Cal Bowl in Long Beach, stop by Lonas and grab her tacos then hit the beach and check out all the vendors. My best spot to finish it off would be Leimert Park. From Betty’s Jerk Chicken to all the amazing vendors there it’s a vibe!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
That would definitely have to go to my dad and my mom! Not only for creating and building a space for me to work but shipping orders for me, giving me the money to start and just always encouraging me to never give up. So shoutout to you Big Willy! Shoutout to you Mommy!

Website: Chefjayla.com

Instagram: ChefJay_LA