The Journey of a Soul Food Entrepreneur
Chef Rene Johnson has built a million-dollar soul food empire that caters to influential figures in the Bay Area. Her restaurant, Blackberry Soul, is known for its traditional recipes passed down through generations. These dishes have fed notable individuals such as Sergey Brin and Steph Curry. In addition to her catering business, Johnson also provides guidance to entrepreneurs on how to scale their ventures effectively.
Her journey began not with a passion for cooking, but with a deep connection to her grandmother. As a child, she didn’t particularly enjoy food, but she cherished the time spent with her grandmother, who always prepared meals from scratch. This bond laid the foundation for her future career.
Johnson often says that her grandmother channeled her most, and she now cooks, thinks, and operates her business in a similar manner. Every dish she creates, from peach cobbler to red beans and rice, originates from her grandmother’s recipes.
Before venturing into the culinary world, Johnson worked in the mortgage industry. She started in telephone sales and found success there. To celebrate her clients’ home closings, she would gift them homemade desserts, which became a unique way to connect with them.
When the mortgage industry faced a downturn, Johnson had to reevaluate her life. It was during this time that she turned to cooking. Despite being a teenage mom without a college degree or formal culinary training, she managed to build a successful business.
Her children were instrumental in encouraging her to pursue her passion for cooking. Initially, she tried offering meals in Georgia, but it wasn’t until she returned to the Bay Area that her business truly took off. She learned the importance of community and collaboration, which helped Blackberry Soul gain momentum.
A Shift in Mindset
At first, Johnson viewed her business as a small venture, but she soon realized that a broader mindset was essential for growth. She began referring to her business as a company rather than a small operation, which changed her approach to leadership, hiring, and expansion.
Her breakthrough came with a wedding event, followed by a fundraiser for a political event where she served her soul food. The experience led to her becoming the preferred caterer for high-profile events.
Initially, Johnson handled everything herself, but she eventually learned the importance of delegation. Building a team allowed her to focus on other aspects of the business, leading to significant growth. Today, her team often tells her to go home when she shows up for an event, a sign that her business can run independently.
Catering to All
Blackberry Soul now serves a wide range of clients, from local community members to prominent political and business leaders. The restaurant has catered to large groups, including 2,500 people at Google, where Sergey Brin was among those served. Johnson ensures that every client receives the same quality and experience, regardless of their status.
She emphasizes the importance of cooking everything from scratch and maintaining high standards. Whether catering for executives or community members, she wants each person to have a memorable dining experience.
From Chef to Mentor
While Johnson still loves cooking, her current focus is on mentoring entrepreneurs. She recognizes the challenges of building a business and the need for guidance. After growing her own business, she noticed that many people sought her advice, which inspired her to create Link and Thrive, a coaching program for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Through this initiative, she helps others understand the realities of running a business, from building a team to creating exceptional customer experiences. Her goal is to pass on the lessons she learned and show that success involves more than just hard work—it requires connection, growth, and resilience.
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