Chef Dominique Leach created the blueprint for her own success
Dominique Leach is the head chef and co-owner of Lexington Betty Smokehouse, located at 756 E. 111th St. PHOTO PROVIDED BY DOMINIQUE LEACH.
Leach has been putting a lot of energy and effort into the quality and standards she wants to represent the company.
Leach started with a catering company, Cater To You Events, in 2016, with her wife Tanisha. She worked at the Four Season Hotel before deciding to start her business. Leach entered a point where she was tired of talking about what she wanted out of life and started to make some sacrifices to get to where she wanted to be.
“Wherever I’ve worked I just did my best to be a sponge, to collect energy and absorb information. At the time, I didn’t know what it would all be for, but it all makes sense now. It was honing me to be where I am now,” she said.
Leach has always been into being the first and breaking barriers in some way. She looked around and didn’t see a lot of people who looked like her. She knew she had gained enough experience working as a chef and was a great competitor and wanted to do something with her talent, as well as serve as an example for someone who might have gone through the same hardships she did working in kitchens at hotels and restaurants.
In the beginning, Leach felt like she needed to prove she was capable, had talent and could be an asset. Now, she doesn’t move in circles where people don’t see her in the light, she wants to be seen in. She likes to be around people who inspire her and people she can inspire, to feed off that positive energy.
Leach decided she wanted a career in the food industry when she was finishing high school. She came out of the closet when she was in high school. She was figuring things out. She wanted to do something fun, so she chose being a chef. She went into culinary school right after high school. She has seen the in and outs of the business.
Leach named Lexington Betty Smokehouse after her grandmother Betty King. She described her grandmother as a great storyteller, a breath of fresh air and full of life. Leach wanted to be able to give King something King could be proud of, and something of substance. She wanted to give her the legacy she deserves.
“The trajectory of my life, I feel like I’m proud of myself and what I’ve been able to accomplish. By an industry standpoint, when I look at the trajectory of the company, it is pretty impressive,” she said. While she is not thinking about expanding right now. She can see the opportunity presenting itself. Right now, is a special time for her and the company.
On Juneteenth, Lexington Betty Smokehouse hosted a celebration. On July 6th, Lexington Betty Smokehouse will host a comedy show.
Leach wants to make a vibe out of the restaurant, while keeping the standards and the customer service. Leach credits her wife Tanisha with the success of the restaurant. They work well together, side by side. Leach called Tanisha her best sous chef.
Leach advises other chefs aspiring to own restaurants to be passionate, be consistent, never stop learning, be humble and give it their all. “You’re always as great as your last dish,” she said. “Nothing worth having is going to come overnight.”
Lexington Betty Smokehouse is located at 756 E. 111th St. For more information, visit www.lexingtonbettysmokehouse.com.
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