Eric D. Holland

Executive Chef & Owner

EVE Catering, LLC

WTCoC: Are you from Tampa originally?

Chef Holland: I am originally a native of Tampa.  I was raised in the neighborhoods of West Tampa and Carver City.

WTCoC:  What made you choose your line of business?

Chef Holland: My decision to pursue a career in the food industry was heavily influenced by my surroundings as an adolescent and young adult.  The neighborhoods where I lived were in close proximity to many jobs in the food industry, i.e. restaurants, bars and hotels.  Therefore, in my youth, I started in the utility department and worked my way up to prep cook and the rest is history.

WTCoC: Why did you choose to have your business in West Tampa?

Chef Holland: After working as a sous chef and executive chef in Los Angeles, CA, Miami, FL and Atlanta, GA, I decided to come back home to Tampa.  In the early 90’s, Tampa was progressively growing into a metropolitan city.  I started catering with a friend as a side hustle.  Then I met my wife, Vandelon and obtained a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University with the trajectory of taking the business to the next level.  EVE Catering was established in 1997 as a full service catering business in the West Tampa area.

WTCoC: What do you like about West Tampa or The West Tampa Chamber?

Chef Holland: I love West Tampa – it’s my home! West Tampa is a community that is rich in culture, history, diversity & inclusion and most of all, great food.  I like that the West Tampa Chamber encourages & cultivates small businesses to grow and be successful.

WTCoC: What plans do you have for your business in West Tampa for the future?

Chef Holland: My future plans for EVE Catering is to grow to scale and leave a lasting legacy in the West Tampa community, the Tampa Bay area and beyond.