Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron and Robert Dieudonne. Them and their team share their story with us below:
FlavorKings began in the spring of 2017. Founded by brothers Robert and Cameron Dieudonne, their passion for cooking came at very early age. I (Cameron) started cooking at the age of 6 and Robertson has managed and worked at many renowned restaurants around the country. In 2011 Cameron moved to Orlando and found a goldmine in the university (UCF) We recall our mother selling plates from our house in Miami and thought why don’t we start something like that? Our mother is a huge part of our success. She taught us everything we know in the kitchen. In late 2016 we came up with the name FlavorKings. With no direction we were just trying to feed everyone from Miami to central Florida. There were major bumps in the road. My brother and I both quit or jobs and we’re on the verge of becoming homeless. With hard work and a specific lane we were able to make FlavorKings flourish. We did everything in our power to not have to work for the corporate world anymore. 2017 was an amazing year with the rise of FlavorKings. The lack of financial responsibility started to catch up with us. Early 2018 we put a pause on the business . We both decided to go back to the corporate world. Mentally drained at this point we thought it was the only thing to do. Battling diagnosed anxiety and depression for the whole year put life in perspective for us. Why not give it all we got at least one more time? By the end of 2018 we came up with a whole revamp game plan for the business. With extreme focus and dedication Cameron thought of Meal Preparation. Meal prep is something everyone needs, but can’t afford. Our plan was to not only make it affordable, but also delicious and nutritious. Initially Robert was skeptical but always believed. He invested his last $200 to get the business started. Meal prep was an instant success. Our customer base grew all over central Florida with partnerships ranging from gyms to selling our meals at local store locations. Surprisingly the pandemic was a blessing to our business. We were able to provide healthy meals for those who didn’t have access to the gym or just wanted something nutritious. Early 2020 we began hiring employees. One in particular, Mirelia Guerrero, became more than employee, she became family. Her dedication to us and FlavorKings didn’t go unrecognized, she is now a partner and owner of our company. We ended the year with a bang and secured our first restaurant location. Fast forward Robert had the brilliant idea to make our location multi functional. Our location will consist of 7 different concepts. JuiceeJoint (juicing company), a deli, FlavorKings meal prep, FlavorKings2GO (Caribbean and Soul food) lastly a ghost kitchen of different restaurants. 2021 has been nothing but blessings and also challenges. From Robert expecting his first son to Cameron having a heart attack and in ICU for a month. One thing we learned during these times is perseverance. Giving up was and is never an option. Our grand opening is scheduled for August 20th. Free food and fun to the public. FlavorKings is flourishing with the grace of God, consistency, and hard work..
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road ahead was anything but smooth. Robert worked his way up the restaurant food chain opening many restaurants for other companies. He always felt like something was missing. He wanted his own. Many attempts at different business, but nothing prevailed. Decisions became tougher, providing for his family also became a struggle. For Cameron finding his way as an adult was difficult, at the age of 18 he moved to Orlando from Miami to attend college. Trying to have a healthy college life, paying bills and just having fun was hard for an 18 year. At the age of 23 he dropped out of school, With no financial backing or support all we had were each other. Mental illness got the best of Cameron. The brothers dealt with almost being homeless, car repossessions, starving nights etc. The struggles didn’t stop when business started flowing. Health issues and family deaths took a toll on us in 2020. We lost our grandmother, and two of uncles within a span of 2 weeks. Cameron faced extreme health issues. From a blood clot to having a heart attack caused by lupus. Robert had to manage and run the business for a while alone. We were blessed enough to have an team of employees along with Mirelia to help us get through the difficult time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
We specialize in not only healthy but tasteful meal prep. Typically meal prep is bland and boring but our company thrives on coming up with new and creative dishes to provide for our customers. We don’t specialize in any specific style of cooking. We can do it all, which is apart of our creative. Cameron and Robert are complete opposites, but balance out perfectly because of the different perspectives. You would think with partners being so different that there would be a lot of clashing, but with an open mind and egos out the door the brothers are able to express their different creative ideas and combine the two to make 1 perfect idea.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Covid taught us to always be prepared for the unexpected. Not just in business but personally. Life can hit you hard and will hit you hard if you’re not ready. Also it taught us to cherish the things that are most important because life is short.
Pricing:
- 7 meals for $66
- 10 meals for $94
- 15 meals for $135
- 20 meals for $180
- 30 meals for $255
Contact Info:
- Email: Flavorkings305@gmail.com
- Website: www.flavorkingscuisine.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/flavorkingscuisine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlavorKingsCuisine/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/flavorkingsllc
Image Credits
Photographer: Khat Patrong
