Regina and Chris Moore built a culinary empire from humble beginnings — selling dinners from their apartment, then founding Chef Flavas, a beloved Memphis restaurant, catering service, and food distributor. Their journey began at Memphis’s premier culinary school, L’Ecole Culinaire, and today, they’re known for “flavaful” dishes like soups, salads, and their famed spinach artichoke dip. Their success story is inspiring, and they’ve been featured on Food Network and even cooked for former President Barack Obama. Meet Regina Moore, one half of the culinary duo, as she shares insights behind building a thriving food brand and the vision for Chef Flavas’s future.
Tell us more about the origin of your business and partnership.
Chef Flavas began as a dream born out of faith, hard work, and partnership. In 2013, I found myself at a crossroads in life. I wanted to grow — not just professionally but as a person — and I prayed for guidance. That prayer led me to culinary school, even though I had no prior experience in cooking beyond my love for it. My dad had always inspired me in the kitchen, so it felt natural to take that leap of faith.
During orientation, I met Chris, my husband. At the time, he was the school’s ambassador, and I was immediately drawn to his passion and determination. His confidence and vision were inspiring. Chris began tutoring me, and we quickly realized we made a great team — not just in the kitchen but in life.
Our first venture came from a referral by a culinary school friend, Precious Jones. We were asked to cater an event, and afterward, we had food left over. Chris suggested we sell it instead of wasting it. We loaded up the car and drove around Memphis, stopping at barbershops and beauty salons in my hometown of Raleigh. To our surprise, the response was overwhelming, and from that moment, we knew we had something special.
It wasn’t always easy. In the early days, we ran our business out of a two-bedroom apartment, making deliveries and juggling countless challenges. There were times we didn’t know how we’d make it, but every struggle taught us something invaluable. Today, Chef Flavas is a reflection of those lessons — a testimony to perseverance, partnership, and faith.
From selling dinners out of your apartment to owning a successful culinary brand, what have you learned along the way?
The most important lesson we’ve learned is the power of perseverance. Every obstacle we faced taught us to trust the process and lean into our faith. Failure wasn’t the end; it was preparation. Looking back, I see how those challenges equipped us for where we are today.
Another key lesson was to always operate with integrity and stay true to our values. We didn’t take shortcuts, even when it was tempting. Instead, we focused on building a business that reflected who we are and the legacy we want to leave.
Is there a particular dish or food memory that influences you?
Chris’s Chicken SPA Sandwich is more than just a dish — it’s a symbol of our journey. Early in our relationship, Chris made this sandwich with grilled chicken, spinach, a toasted bun, and his signature spinach artichoke dip (SPA Dip). I remember taking one bite and saying, “This is going to make you famous!” It was a simple moment, but it captured so much of what makes Chris a visionary in the kitchen.
Where do you find inspiration for new dishes?
Inspiration comes from the people we serve and the memories we create together. Chris has an incredible ability to reimagine classic dishes, while I bring the creativity and vision for how our food connects with people. Platforms like Pinterest and TikTok also help me experiment with new ways to use our signature spinach artichoke dip.
If we could only try one Chef Flavas recipe, what should it be and why?
You have to try our eggrolls. They’re a true representation of what Chef Flavas stands for — bold, innovative, and packed with flavor. Each one is handcrafted with care, using chicken, steak, or shrimp combined with our spinach artichoke dip and melted cheese. They’re not just food; they’re an experience.
Your spinach artichoke dip won a golden ticket at a Walmart open call. Can you take us behind the scenes of this experience?
It was nothing short of divine intervention. Out of 13,000 companies, we were one of the 100 to receive a golden ticket to [get on] Walmart shelves. The journey to Bentonville, AR, was filled with challenges. Our car broke down, and we didn’t know how we’d make it. But a dear friend, Valencia, stepped in and offered to drive us there, showing us what true support looks like.
When we walked into that room, it felt like every hardship, late night, and prayer had led us to that moment. Hearing “yes” from Walmart was a confirmation of our purpose and potential. It was more than a win for us — it was a message to anyone dreaming of something bigger: your moment is coming.Â
You’ve described Chef Flavas as more than a place to eat — it’s a family. How do you create that environment?
Family is at the heart of everything we do. From how we greet our guests to the care we put into every dish, it’s all about making people feel valued and seen. We’ve built Chef Flavas on the principle of Southern hospitality — treating everyone who walks through our doors like they’re coming home.
Your motto is “Unlocking the inner chef in you.” What is the meaning behind it?
Our products are designed to inspire creativity. Whether you’re using our spinach artichoke dip in a traditional recipe or experimenting with something completely new, we want to empower you to see cooking as an expression of love and individuality.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring chefs or entrepreneurs, what would it be?
Never lose sight of your “why.” Building a business is hard, but if you stay connected to your purpose and keep God at the center, you’ll find the strength to keep going. No matter how difficult, every step is part of the story you’re meant to tell.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Renew yourself daily.” Success isn’t about one big breakthrough; it’s about the habits you build and the mindset you maintain. Every day is an opportunity to grow and align your actions with your goals.
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
1. Continuous Learning: The drive to acquire new knowledge and skills is essential for both personal and professional growth. It keeps me engaged and adaptable in an ever-changing environment.
2. Health: Physical and mental well-being are foundational to my ability to perform at my best. Taking care of my health enables me to pursue my goals with energy and resilience.
3. Creativity: Having an outlet for creative expression is crucial. Whether through songwriting, music, or innovative thinking, creativity fuels my passion and enhances my ability to contribute meaningfully in my personal and professional life.
Thanks for the inspiring chat, Regina!
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Southern women are nothing short of phenomenal. Meet more of them over at our FACES archives!
