Meet Callelujah, a food brand here in Trinidad and Tobago with its roots set in passion and of course, good food and an exceptional customer experience. The brand was founded in June 2013 by Caleb Griffith and Sherleen Young-Griffith who began delivering Callelujah cuisine from their Diego Martin kitchen. “Our samples ranged from Chinese to Creole cuisine showing companies our diversity in the culinary arts. By August, we were delivering lunches daily and within a short time, we were looking for a permanent restaurant space.”

They bid for a spot at the Hugh Wooding Law School cafeteria which they won over their competitors as a result of their work ethic and exceptional customer service. “With the formal business setting that is expected at the HWLS, we believed that our food and service should match the campus dress code. No “cafeteria food” here! Our menu includes a variety of international and local gourmet foods with a local and international breakfast available.”

As the brand flourished, soon Callelujah faced some major obstacles. In early January 2015, a fire consumed the cafeteria. “In subsequent months, our number of directors went from five to two. However, through these trials, we managed to expand our business to another location in St. James, launch our signature line of homemade sauces and maintain our catering services. By September 2015, we had moved back to our current location at the Hugh Wooding Law School.”

Now the Callelujah brand offers the full spectrum when it comes to catering and has launched its line of sauces to diversify its output. Services provided include Weddings, Banquets and Cocktail Receptions, On-call Daily Lunch Delivery, Personal Chef Services, Carnival All-Inclusive, Mas Band Rest Stop Catering and Coordination, Event Planning for Domestic and Company Functions, Management of Cafeteria. Canteen, Tuck Shop and more. 

The line of homemade sauces includes the yummy flavours of BBQ Sauce, Pepper Sauce, Garlic Sauce and Honey Mustard. The fact that the brand has diversified to include these sauces under their umbrella is just a testament to solid brand building. With such expertise in the food and catering industry, launching and successfully running a food brand is an excellent way to diversify into the product aspect of the food industry and Callelujah has certainly done this well.

Maybe the answer is the power couple behind the brand – Chef Caleb Griffith and Sherleen Young Griffith. Chef Caleb confesses that Sherleen is his primary driving force and that he would not be where he is without her. It is Sherleen’s management skills backed by her Associate Degree in Culinary Management and Certificate in Event Management that work together with Chef Caleb’s culinary ability that creates the magic that is the Callelujah brand. When asked what inspired them to start the business, Sherleen’s response was simple, “The need to leave a legacy for our children”. 

As for milestones along the way, Sherleen says “Serving the President and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago on several occasions. It showed us that with hard work and a high quality product our “small business” can do amazing things. Also appearing on Morning Edition with Fazir Mohammed talking about our sauces and appearing on Cup of Joe.” And the lessons learned along the way? “Do it NOW! Stop waiting for the perfect circumstances… they will never come.” And any advice to budding entrepreneurs? “Go at your own pace. Others around you may pressure you to pick up the pace or slow down. Take stock of what your capabilities are and work from there.”

Sherleen believes that was makes the brand stand out is “The interpersonal but still professional service we offer. Whether it be a big client or a small client, we treat them all the same.”

As for the future, Callelujah as a brand hopes to open its kitchen as an institute of learning and expand in its philanthropic efforts. “We are passionate about perfection and we continue to proudly serve our customers”.