Meet Samantha Anson of Sam’s Spot Catering in Roxbury

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Anson.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I originally started my company in November of 2014 with the help of 3 friends and my mother. We operated from the comfort of my kitchen, serving the community some authentic Soul and Caribbean cuisine. The source of my inspiration has always been my grandmothers, the matriarchs of both sides my family. I have a huge family and both women taught me how to bring people together with love and a nice home cooked meal. After being in “business” for a while, or what I thought was business, circumstances in my life took a turn for the unexpected. I took some time to get my life situations in order, cause as we all know life can really throw you some curve balls. When I say “thought I was in business”, what I mean is, when I first started out as a 21 y.o cook selling food out of my house I had no idea of some many things. I didn’t own a servSafe certificate, my business wasn’t registered, no idea of how to keep track of my numbers, and so forth. It was in 2017 we’re I enrolled in a culinary arts program located at the Kroc center in Dorchester. The program provided us with knowledge of commercial kitchens, knife skills, life skills, etc. and it was completely free. I had to unenroll from le cordon bleu due to finances but that did not deter me. From there I received my servSafe Managerial certificate, certificate of completion along with registering my business with the city. From there I have been connected to so many resources. I have since then been offered to teach, at the Hi Hostel In downtown Boston, and Old ways in Cambridge, I also took a food business course at the Commonwealth kitchen, which really excelled me in the business aspect of things. I say all this to say, never give up on your dream regardless of your circumstances. Never let the words or someone who doesn’t see your vision deter you from achieving:

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can honestly say it hasn’t been the smoothest but it’s has definitely made me stronger for what’s to come. Everything I have been through has been a complete learning lesson and a chance for me to share knowledge with the next person. I’ve experienced homelessness, people not understanding my vision, struggling to find a work space. As a caterer, you know the biggest struggle is finding a place to work out of especially not being a 7 day a week operation. I’ve also had people look at me for being young, African American and a female.

Sam’s Spot Catering – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Sam’s Spot is a full service catering company that specializes in authentic Southern and Caribbean cuisines. We are known for things like our fried, honey mustard, jerk wings, baked Mac and rice and peas. I am most proud of my company for the determination, consistency and drive it exudes. When we commit to an event, we treat small or large, with the same quality and respect. Food is the most important part for any gathering, so we strive to give everyone the feeling of being in your grandma’s kitchen!

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moment of my career definitely has to be my Small Business Networking event. My goal was to bring together both up and coming and existing business and those within our community that we’re starting businesses in. I catered the event and had several vendors set up to display their products, from skin care to desserts etc. I received raving reviews and tons of connections were made which was my main intention. I worked so hard and to see it come together with people buying products, exchange info and taking time to learn about those who work so tirelessly on their craft was the most rewarding feeling!

Contact Info:

• Website:  Samsspotcatering.com
• Phone: 8575740714
• Email: samspotcatering@gmail.com
• Instagram: Samspotcatering
• Facebook: Sam’s Spot Catering
• Yelp: Sam’s Spot Catering

Image Credit:
Attract Brand

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