Baldwin Hills native Jontrese Wright has an exciting month ahead. The local chef and caterer is bringing his business, Just Wright BBQ, to the upcoming celebratory 19th Annual Taste of Soul Family Festival on Saturday, Oct. 19, after previously being a vendor at the celebration.
“This will be the third year I’m selected to be a BBQ vendor at the Taste of Soul and I’m honored to be invited back this year,” said the local chef who began cooking after being inspired at a young age by his father who was a BBQ master himself.
“My passion for food comes from the many years of watching my parents cook for our family gatherings,” Wright said.
“My father was a self-proclaimed BBQ pit master and passed his recipe’s down to my brother and I.
“I attended Dorsey High School and studied at Le Cordon Bleu. I own two businesses (JT Catering and Just Wright BBQ) and have an expansive resume that showcases my culinary skills and experience with cuisine,” he noted.
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Wright began his business after COVID-19 essentially shut down his employment in the food service industry where he had worked for many years.
“While working in the food industry, I catered events and sold BBQ plates but my goal was to start my own business. The pandemic thrusted me into action, both needing to earn an income and fill a need in my community,” Wright said.
Being a native of the community, he feels not only honored, but also excited to be a part of the huge festival.
“I was born and raised in the Baldwin Hills area and attended the Taste of Soul as a young man. I was inspired by the vendors that were doing what I love to do, cook,” Wright said. “It’s a dream come true because I envisioned myself as a vendor and my dream was fulfilled.”
Wright has also prepared a special menu for the festivities including a special seafood macaroni and cheese dish that is sure to leave palettes watering. In addition, he also has a delicious plate that many will adore.
“I’m preparing a Chef Special Braised Short Rib over Cabbage and Garlic Mashed Potatoes with a BBQ Ginger Glaze. We’re also known for our St. Louis Style Ribs and Mac N Cheese,” he said.
At the moment, Wright does have a storefront operation inside of the Partake Kitchen located at 456 Elm Avenue in the city of Long Beach. He will begin promoting his business more after October 15. Yet, for now he is simply giving the lucky attendees at the Taste Of Soul festival a bite of what to expect. He also has future plans to bring his savory flavor to supermarkets soon.
“I’m also trying to get my BBQ sauce to market and doing this festival might help,” Wright said.
He feels that not only the food is what makes the festival exciting but the atmosphere and the people do too. Also, he shares how seeing the crowd enjoy his cooking truly makes him feel.
“The customer experience is big for me. It brings me joy to see my customers enjoying my food,” Wright said. “I like the opportunity to show my culinary skills and hope for greater exposure to expand my business,” Wright said.
Wright also explained why the Taste Of Soul festival is of utter importance not only for himself but for our culture and city as well.
“This festival means a lot to me because it is a place where my people can gather and showcase our talents. Whether it’s food, fashion, jewelry, art, you name it,” he said.
“We support each other and it’s a beautiful thing. It’s good to see family and friends come back home to attend the festival.”
