Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Simms.
Hi Elizabeth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I fell in love with the culinary world when I worked as an event manager at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in Grand Cayman – I wondered if my history as an amateur foodie would translate into a career in hospitality after years in corporate & social event management. The award-winning chefs there allowed me to help them prep for the banquets I was planning, and I was hooked. I spent the next few years traveling the world, experiencing food culture, and working as a front-of-house manager in elite restaurants while studying for my culinary degree from L’Academie De Cuisine in Maryland. I have worked for catering companies, hotels, resorts, fine dining & casual restaurants, butcher shops in Washington D.C., Australia, and the Florida Keys – beginning as a Line Cook and quickly moving through the ranks as a Sous Chef and Chef de Cuisine. I opened Late Risers Food Truck with my partner in 2018 after living here in St. Augustine for about a year, and we happened upon the information that the St. John’s Golf Club cafe had been empty for 18 months. We put in our application in March 2020 – and opened our doors in August for a banner year and a half. We closed for renovations in December 2021 and reopened with a beautiful new clubhouse and redesigned golf course just after Thanksgiving.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Anyone who tells you that starting their own business was a smooth road is lying. There have been struggles and challenges throughout the journey – especially in the early stages of development. The most constant struggle for me has been negotiating a work-life balance. After that, everything else is in the details -understanding the big picture – that we have to make personal and professional compromises as business owners, but we need to have boundaries and parameters that allow us to enjoy our success and feel proud of our accomplishments.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am passionate about sourcing my food locally and making it from scratch. I utilize my classic culinary education and global food experiences in award-winning kitchens and tiny mom-and-pop shops to create delicious food with bright flavor combinations. The best buzzword I can give about what I do culinarily is “accessible gourmet.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laterisersfoodtruck.com
- Instagram: @laterisers
- Facebook: @laterisersbarandgrille
