We’re looking forward to introducing you to Chef Allen Plemmons. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Allen, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
All the time. 80% of me continuously wants to go go go , but that 2o% saves me a lot of headaches
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Allen Plemmons, founder of Personal Chef Collective — a network of talented chefs bringing unforgettable private dining experiences, meal prep, and events to homes and businesses across the Midwest. We’re redefining what it means to “eat out” by bringing restaurant-quality food, creativity, and hospitality directly to our clients’ tables.
What makes PCC unique is our blend of chef freedom and client focus — we only take on events we’re passionate about, and we create real opportunities for chefs to earn well doing what they love. From intimate dinners to large-scale corporate events, we handle it all with a mix of Midwest warmth, fine-dining expertise, and a little bit of chaos (the fun kind). Right now, we’re expanding our footprint while building a seven-figure, scalable brand that keeps quality and personal touch at its core.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
Two people who made a huge impact on my work ethic and career are Tracie Reimer, my manager who showed me what true leadership and trust in your team looks like, and R.J. Rau at Dog Days Bar & Grill, who taught me how to thrive under pressure while still finding the fun in the chaos. From Tracie, I learned the importance of investing in people and creating an environment where they can succeed. From R.J., I learned how to handle high-volume, high-stakes service without losing your cool — or your sense of humor. Those lessons are baked into how I run Personal Chef Collective today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me the do-or-die mentality that’s shaped my entire life and career. You can fail a thousand times, but when you finally succeed on the 1001st, it’s all worth it. Those hard moments force you to adapt, to push past fear, and to keep showing up even when no one’s watching. Success feels good, but it can make you comfortable — suffering strips you down to what you’re really made of. It taught me grit, perspective, and that the struggle is part of the recipe for every great thing I’ve built.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Suffering taught me to hold on to my values no matter how tough things get. For me, that means staying true to Midwest culture, cooking with the seasons, and always using the best ingredients we can get our hands on. I’ll never sacrifice quality for quantity — but I’ll always strive to achieve both. That mindset came from the grind: the long nights, the near-misses, and the moments where you either quit or push through. Fail a thousand times, succeed on the 1001st, and you learn that doing it right is always worth it.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Tonight, I’m dipping my toes in a swimming pool and taking the night off — and I’d argue that actually does pay off. Giving your mind space to breathe is an investment. You can’t run at full speed for 7–10 years without learning when to pause. As long as you don’t make rest a habit every day, those moments of recharge pay you back tenfold down the road.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/chefallenkc
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/chefallenplemmons
- Youtube: https://YouTube.com/personalchefcollective
- Other: https://Linktr.ee/personalchefcollective
Image Credits
They are all mine
