Today we’d like to introduce you to Samuel Jackson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After working and living on private yachts for 7 years as a chef, the opportunity came for me to work for a previous yacht owner here in Boston (private gig again). I did this for a couple of years and noticed that with all the exciting food options in the city that nobody was yet to offer Australian meat pies. I decided to make the move and begin KO. I found a few investors, worked on the concept, recipes etc.
KO began with the idea of being primarily a food truck and we purchased a truck prior to anything else. I then found a space in Southie that became available for what I thought would be our production/commissary space. The little shop in Southie took on a life of its own and before long we had to sell the truck as we needed more space for the production. I knew of a cool if random spot in a shipyard in Eastie and that became our second KO.
This location became even more popular than Southie and allowed us continued growth, exposure, and space. We have continued to expand this space year by year and both KO locations continue to sling a taste of Aussie, 7 and 5.5 years on, respectively.
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?
Anything but smooth. If I knew then what I knew now I’d not only be better off financially, I’d have more hair and less grey in what is left! Like many small businesses we started with minimal funds and just as little experience. There are so many struggles and challenges to mention so I think the most important thing to note is how you learn and improve from each of these struggles.
Learning that you can’t do it all yourself and that surrounding yourself with people who are better than you at things you are not certainly helps. Getting people to give a shit is also super important and a huge challenge. The food world is hard, you are dealing with people on both sides of the equation both with very different sets of needs.
If anything I’ve learned that every day is going to bring its own set of obstacles/challenges and the more you can see them in that light, rather than a ‘problem’ then the better equipped you are to take them on.
Please tell us about KO Pies.
KO is a food business that is primarily an Australian meat pie business. We offer our take/chef created version of the well-known handheld pies that most Aussies grew up eating and loving. Both locations feature other takes on menu items that Australians would recognize from a similar type of establishments back home, We also have a catering arm that features a more widespread selection of menu choices that do draw on my background as a chef that don’t necessarily directly relate to Australian cuisine.
I think the thing I am most proud of is that we have managed to build a brand and awareness to something that previously didn’t exist here in Boston. That only comes from people who believe in what we do in all aspects of the company. Having recognition and being known for something, even if it is one menu item, is something I am super proud of the KO team for doing.
As far as setting us apart from others, it is probably the fact that we stick to our guns in regards to who we are and what we do. Our style and concept is unique and certainly not for everyone, but that is also what makes us different and identifiable, which means a lot to me.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Probably hanging out and having fun with my mates, whether it be at the beach surfing, out on skateboards or playing team sports like baseball or rugby. Just being outside doing things and having as much fun as possible while doing it.
Contact Info:
- Address: 256 Marginal St, Building 16, East Boston, MA 02128
- Website: www.kocateringandpies.com
- Phone: 6174185234
- Email: sam@kocateringandpies.com
- Instagram: kocatering_pies
- Facebook: KO Catering & Pies
- Twitter: kocatering_pies
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
