Events by J Raphael: Catering to Success
Jamorean Hampton first learned about the Alabama SBDC in 2019, when he met SBDC center director while working as a server at Carrabba’s. Casual conversations evolved into an invaluable partnership after he shared his business ideas with her. During the encounter she explained SBDC resources and invited him to an appointment. This initial interaction set the stage for his journey from idea to successful enterprise.
The Alabama SBDC at UAH provided guidance and support as he set out to turn his vision of a catering company into a reality. His advisor offered ideas on how to start and market the business and connected him with resources that helped create the initial menus, which are still in use today. This early assistance laid the foundation for the growth and development of Events by J. Raphael.
The structured guidance from the SBDC provided Jamorean with the blueprint needed to launch his business. Their support included helping him develop the first set of menus and advising on essential business practices. Their ongoing counsel and resources played a significant role in the company’s growth, providing strategic insight into marketing, menu development, and operational improvements.
Events by J. Raphael was born from Jamorean’s deep passion for cooking and over 15 years of experience in the event industry. Having worked as a Director of Events, he knew that his calling was to provide exceptional culinary experiences. When the business first began, Jamorean didn’t have professional cooking experience, but with the help and support of his mother, he learned, practiced, and refined basic culinary skills that laid the foundation for the company’s offerings.
The business started in September 2019, right before the onset of COVID-19. The pandemic halted events and impacted new businesses like his, leaving Events by Raphael largely unknown in the local market. However, this downtime became a period of reflection and growth. Jamorean invested the time into perfecting menu ideas, honing preparation techniques, refining portion sizes, and enhancing presentation. He learned to manage food costs, overhead, marketing, and communication strategies, which positioned the company for success once operations resumed.
Since then, Events by J. Raphael has earned recognition, being nominated for Best of Huntsville – Best Catering in 2022, 2023, and 2024. The team has grown to include eight dedicated employees and has expanded its reach within the community. Looking ahead, Jamorean plans to obtain large-scale contracts, including government food service agreements, to serve thousands of clients daily. This expansion will allow the company to extend its impact and continue building on a strong foundation.
Events by J. Raphael is proud to offer the best food in Huntsville while fostering a fun and safe working environment. The company’s presence in the community is defined by quality, passion, and a commitment to excellence in both service and experience. When asked about how his minority status impacts his business, Jamorean said “Being a minority-owned business doesn’t define the quality of our work or our commitment to excellence. Our focus remains on delivering value, innovation, and exceptional service. While diversity is a part of who we are, it doesn’t limit or define the impact we create—our business thrives on the strength of our dedication and expertise.”
“The support from the SBDC was a game-changer in launching and growing my business. Their expert advice and resources helped me tackle challenges, refine my strategy, and make sound decisions every step of the way. With their guidance, I felt empowered to turn my vision into a thriving reality,” said Jamorean.