May 31, 2019

Meet Marshelle George of Shelle’s Kitchen in Southeast San Diego

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce Marshelle George (CEO & CHEF of Shelle’s Kitchen)

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story began when I was about five years old. I was a little girl who was eager to learn all of my family’s great recipes to certain dishes. I was like a sponge always in the kitchen with my grandmother Ms. Annie Mae, Father (Raymond George, Mother (Angel George), or my loving Auntie (Shirley Payne). As I got older I enrolled in the restaurant service at the high school I was attending by the name of Mount Miguel High School. There you were taught all you needed to know to be prosper as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, Baker, and etc. I then started cooking for my family, and friends doing tasting of specific dishes when I would host parties. Everyone always said, “I would do very well in the Culinary Field”. That has given me a drive to always try new things. I enjoy the feedback I get, and also seeing people fellowship, and enjoy the creations I come up with, with food. The name “Shelle’s Kitchen” came from literally cooking in my own kitchen. I have catered all sorts of different type of events from Weddings, Christenings, Baby Shower’s, Retirement Parties, and so much more. I have also been honored to cook, and sell my own menu out of different clubs in Downtown, San Diego.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been an easy walk in the park, however the good has always outweighed the bad. My struggle in the very beginning was me getting my name out to the public. Not just my family or extended family, but far past that. Then once I was able to reach the public keeping up the branding of “Shelle’s Kitchen”. Thank God for my little sister (Ramona George) who has been the creative mind for my business. She is always thinking of ways to better “Shelle’s Kitchen”. I also, struggled ensuring I had the license, and permits to even be capable of selling, or feeding the community. It’s so many things you learn as you go. Another struggle is having enough food to sell everyone. I remember there would be times it would take me 3-4 hours to sell out, but now… It can take me 30min- 1hour to sell out; feeding 80-90 people. Still having a lot of customers waiting for their turn, and upset that I may have sold out. I always like to double back the following day for those who didn’t make it in time to ensure everyone’s taste buds are satisfied. Now, I am on a search for a food truck as well as, sponsors who would love to invest in Shelle’s Kitchen.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Shelle’s Kitchen – what should we know?
Shelle’s Kitchen is me bringing good “Down-South” cooking to San Diego, CA; giving my customers an experience of food coming from my soul to their plate. My business is my baby. I started with an idea and it has manifested right before my eyes into something I can leave for my children and family. I am the owner, and the Chef of Shelle’s Kitchen. I prep the food, cook the food, and plate the food for each and every customer. I do it all; from start to finish until every last customer is served. I specialize in Creole Cuisine: Gumbo, Jambalaya, Shrimp Creole, and my famous Deep-Fried Cheese Ravioli topped with Crawfish Cream Sauce and so much more. There is no limit to what I can do. My top sellers are the Seafood Gumbo, Deep Fried Ravioli with Crawfish Cream Sauce, and my Crab Boil with Shelle’s Kitchen special sauce.

I am most proud to be in business for well over eight years. My biggest focus right now is elevating my business.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family deserves all the credit for being the helping hands to “Shelle’s Kitchen”. I truly want to say I am thankful. Again, for my parents Raymond, and Angel George; along with my Auntie Shirley George-Payne who has showed me so many different recipes. Me being me; I have always put my own twist to every recipe, but I am just thankful for them laying out that foundation for me to know.

I also, want to send a huge shout-out to my siblings Ramona George, and Claressa George. My sister Ramona has been a brand ambassador for “Shelle’s Kitchen”, always thinking of ways to help make my job run smoothly, and effectively. My sister Claressa George who was again been a brand ambassador, and has assisted me in the Kitchen. I want to send out so much love, and thanks to my son Marcellous George- Randall who deals with my customer’s front and center. He has been my food runner, and cash man. His job is truly stressful, because I can’t stress to him enough how important it is to get the right order to the right car. We get so packed which it overwhelms him. He always holds it together, and do exactly what I ask of him. Again, all my family have been helping hands. I am thankful for all of you. In addition, I must give credit to my loyal amazing customers who show up every food service, very patient, wanting to spend their hard earned money with my establishment. Without them there would be no “Shelle’s Kitchen”. I am forever grateful. Lastly, I want to thank my handsome sons Marcellous, and Jamal Randall for being the motivation for me to continue doing great things within my establishment.

Pricing: