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

Hi Stephen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind me wanting begin my journey was simple….. I wanted to tell the story of my ancestors through my food.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most proud that I get to be apart of a community of chefs throughout the country telling the story of the black chef in America and knowing that our efforts aren’t going unnoticed any longer. There is something very personal with knowing I have helped changed how the country looks at us throughout the years, with so many of us finally being recognized for our talents & contributions to the culinary map of America and internationally, I take great pride and honor in that.

My work throughout the years has come with the help of a lot of very talented men & women surrounding me and listening to them and allowing their skills teach/challenge me. I love to cook through the seasons and allow that to be my guide it was something I learned a long time ago and haven’t change. I enjoy letting the food speak for itself, nothing to heavy, see my joy comes from taking what most generalize as “heavy southern food” or “soul food” and showing you it can be done lightly.

I feel as though I am just coming into my brand but I can say it’s one from recognizing its humble business and never letting go for it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
must stops ……. and this is in my own opinion

glai baan
Little Miss BBQ
SugarJam
Mrs. Whites
tratto
Pane Bianco
Pizzeria Bianco
the gladly
virtu honest craft
bitter & twisted
hana
CC’s
huarachis
taco Chiwas
Harvey’s wine-burger
Mountain shadow’s for Golf (party cart)
Moon Valley GC
Tio & Tia’s by Dj Chris Villa
Pizza Festival
Taco Fest
Sonoran Pasta Bar
lom wong
Santo
bacanora
Atria Flagstaff
Shift Flagstaff
Hush Public House
platform 18
highball
barcoa
wren house brewing
Roosevelt Row first Fridays
Night Market
uptown farmers market
bad jimmy’s
beal beans
Binkley’s
Christophers
huss brewing (fish & chips insane)
tarbell’s
Durant’s
fry bread house
valentine
any where in old town on a Sunday afternoon
hip hop show at the van buren
quartz
suns game

there’s a few

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow, that’s a long list of people. But first and foremost, my whole path wouldn’t have been started without the support of my family, my late mother was my biggest champion and was always there for me no matter the crazy situation or crazy idea I had. the list of people to thank is too long but Chef’s Michael Cimarusti of Providence La, Chef David Varley, Chef Erick Simmons, Chef Erick Williams, Chef Joe Elevado, Chef Charlie Trotter, Chef Mark Tarbell and so many other’s taught me so much throughout the years and I am forever in their debts. My business partners Randy, Jim and Tracy I will forever cherish what they did for me and my family. There are just so many people but at its core I am forever grateful for my ancestors for allowing me to Stand on their shoulders to continue their story.

Website: www.thelarderandthedelta.com

Instagram: @chefstephenjones @thelarderphx

Linkedin: Stephen Jones

Twitter: @thelarderphx

Facebook: thelarderandthedelta

Image Credits
Debby Wolves DW Photography Stephen Jones Shelley Aul

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.