Louisiana TikTok chef shows you how to make gourmet soul food, runs Acadiana business

From everyday meals to private dining this catering company offers it all. Teaching thousands of people how to make Louisiana staples and showing everyone that soul food can be gourmet is the mission of Fat Boyz Kitchen LA based in Lafayette.

Armani Bailey is the founder and head chef for Fat Boyz Kitchen LA. A long time foodie and creative, he decided he wanted to start his business after selling food in his dorm.

“I was hosting a Bible study on campus,” Bailey explains. “I started offering food to the people who came because, they would have missed a meal in the cafeteria during Bible study.

“The number of people coming kept growing and I had to figure out how to pay for the food. I started selling plates as a way to pay for my Bible study supplies and people really liked the food.”

New restaurants: Find true southern comfort at this Lafayette soul food restaurant

Events: Enjoy zydeco music in the park to benefit families of fallen law enforcement officers

Bailey always had a strong love for the kitchen growing up with his grandmother in Baton Rouge. He watched as she prepared food, made doughs and even grew her own ingredients. These moments impacted the future chef greatly and inspired him to achieve his dreams.

In 2019 he took a break from attending University of Louisiana and wanted to focus more on mastering his skills as a chef. In November 2019 he became a private chef and in September of 2020 his business officially launched.

“Cooking brings me such an overwhelming joy,” he says with a smile. “Watching other people enjoy what I am able to create, it’s truly a blessing. I have been able to reach so many people through social media and my cooking. It’s really amazing.”

Bailey has formed a strong social media following since starting the company. The Fat Boyz Kitchen LA TikTok account has over 110,000 followers and is nearing a million likes. He shares his personality and gourmet Southern cooking tips with his followers on a daily basis.

Story continues

FBKLA offers catering for almost every event from weddings to brunches and more. Their most popular and unique item is the signature pepper jack cheese boudin roll topped with a spicy ranch sauce. They also offer meal prep as well as private and intimate dining experiences. The business is a full-service catering company and has a range of options that can be requested by th event.

With a bright personality and bold flavors Fat Boyz Kitchen LA looks forward to serving you at your next function. Catering orders should be placed three weeks in advance to guarantee availability. You can find the business on Facebook.com/FatBoyzKitchenLA, Instagram.com/FatBoyzKitchenLA and Tik Tok @Fatboyzkitchenla

Connect with WaTeasa Freeman by email [email protected], Twitter @wateasaf TikTok @theadvertisereats

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Viral sensation serving up southern favorites Fat Boyz Kitchen LA