Meet The Chef

Chef Richard was born in Fort Myers, Florida and is self-taught with a wide range of culinary expertise spanning from Soul Food, Irish, Italian, French, and even Sushi. He began his restaurant career at the age of 14 in 1988 when his mother forged his birth certificate so that he could work at McDonalds. In that same year, while his mother was asleep, he prepared his first full meal for his whole family. Though she never took time to show him the intricate details of cooking, (she thought his sister would be the cook), he would quietly look over her shoulder and download everything that he saw.

He would go on to work every position in the restaurant industry and in 2011, he opened his first restaurant, a small Soul Food place called Big Dro’s Chicken n’ Waffles. After realizing that he did not have the administrative skills to support such a big project, he returned to the work force and worked for several well known Hospitality Groups. He quickly worked his way up to Assistant GM, to GM, and ultimately to Director of Operations. Settling into his new position he aggressively began to take over kitchen duties learning how to create menus, food cost, ordering, inventory, labor, payroll, and P&L.   

With his administrative skills intact, he turned his attention to becoming a better cook. Working side by side with some of SW Florida’s most talented Chefs, he honed his skills to being recognized as an overachieving, meticulous Chef in his right. Armed with the skills and knowledge needed to run a successful restaurant again, Chef Richard accepted an offer to become the Managing Partner and a 50/50 partnership to reopen Clancey’s Restaurant. Chef Richard retooled and managed every aspect of the day to day operations, creating a new menu and vibrant atmosphere.

Fast forward to the present day. Chef Richard, (affectionately known as Big Chef Dro), is the owner of “Yes Chef! Creates, LLC."  YES Chef! is not just another catering service. We offer a personalized and unique service that concentrates on the individual. We cook onsite to ensure that your culinary experience is fresh, and custom made to your event. Chef Richard will customize any event, from your wedding reception to an intimate gathering at your home.