By now you should know that Frisco is filled with endless, talented creatives and professionals serving the local community. It’s the diverse people of this city that make it unique and will surely leave a lasting impact.
That’s certainly true for Preston Whitley. Preston, also known as Chef PDubb by many, has turned his passion for food and cooking into a reality with the success of a business he built from the ground up.
I interviewed this old classmate of mine about his time in Frisco, his catering business, and his hopes for the future.
Lifestyle Frisco: Tell us about you, where you’re from, and how you landed in Frisco?
Chef PDubb: Hello, I’m Chef PDubb. I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. I grew up playing basketball which is eventually why my family moved to Frisco for a better opportunity. I attended Wakeland High School.
LsF: Where did your passion for cooking come from?
Chef: I didn’t always like cooking, but my mom always made me help her in the kitchen. Back then I’d much rather play video games and play outside, but if you know my mother she wasn’t having that. She consistently stayed on me about helping out until I began to notice how good I was at cooking. It’s when I started cooking for others and the feedback I would get – that’s when I knew I had something.
LsF: How did PDubbz Catering come to be?
Chef: PDubbz Catering didn’t happen overnight. I failed countless times trying to get my niche and figure out my lane and where I fit in this culinary world. Being an entrepreneur has its ups and downs, but through it all, I think it’s worth the fight. PDubbz Catering comes from the mud; I built the foundation of this business strictly off grind and hustle and I’m proud of where I am but I feel there is still so much more to come.
LsF: Talk about the variety of services you offer.
Chef: As a private chef I tend to offer a few services such as private dining, catering, meal preps, and local pop-ups around the city. There is no job we cannot do; we’re built on working hard and providing nothing but love and flavor in every bite. We also cater to corporate offices, weddings, and special events.
LsF: What are your long-term goals for PDubbz?
Chef: Long-term goals still come to mind every day, but I know eventually I would love a location for people to come to enjoy some remarkable creations. I really look forward to that time.
LsF: What would you tell someone who wants to start a business but doesn’t know where to start?
Chef: It’s never easy starting off – you’ll have so many doubts, concerns, and questions. People will make their comments and sometimes you will want to give up but as I always say, ‘don’t be afraid to jump off the porch.’ I did it and look at me now. Nothing ever comes easy, you just have to want success more than failure wants you. Fight for what you believe in and never look back!
LsF: What would you say about the Frisco community?
Chef: My time in Frisco was good to me. Even though most of that time I was in sports, I definitely felt the love and it’s such a beautiful area. Frisco comes together as a community and supports each other and I’m all about love and support. I hope to serve more people in the Frisco area, as that was my first home in Dallas.
LsF: How can people find you and book a service?
Chef: I am active on both Instagram and Facebook. My Instagram handles are, @_chefpdubb_ and @pdubbz_catering, and my Facebook name is PDubbz Catering. Please follow and share! I also have a website where you can keep up with what’s going on and place orders if needed: pdubbzcatering.com. I can also be reached at 469-408-3291. Please feel free to reach out and book us — we would love to take care of you for whatever you need.