*Fun and engaging, Jeff held this cooking class for friends at Silvermoon on Broad.*

*Jeff shows off his personal best brown trout that he caught at Miracle Mile in Wyoming.*

*This cooking class was held at the Collins Home where Jeff will be operating Chef on the Run beginning this month.*

“There’s no place like home.” This oft-quoted line from “The Wizard of Oz” rings true for most. Home can mean different things for different people, but it often exudes comfort, warmth, a place of safety where we can relax and be our true selves. It calls us back, wherever we are. Home doesn’t have to be our place of origin. We can make a home out of anywhere that fits for us.

For Jeff Loving, that home is Texarkana. Raised as a Navy brat by two wonderful parents, Jeff has lived all over the country, an experience that allowed him to taste and learn to cook a variety of cuisines. The influence of his French mother cooking three meals a day inspired him to do the same for other people. “I grew up with her in the kitchen and just loved watching her cook classical French cuisine,” Jeff reminisces. For 16 years, Jeff lived and worked in Texarkana as a chef, caterer, and restaurant partner. In late 2019, Jeff received a business opportunity in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and spent a year there. However, this month, he has returned home to the delight of his clients.

A beloved name and face in Texarkana, Jeff has fed the community his delicious fare in a variety of settings. From Timothy’s Restaurant to Brick House Burgers to Twisted Fork, Jeff has showcased his culinary expertise and versatility in the sit-down venue. He has also taught cooking classes and run a successful catering business, Chef on the Run. For the latter, Jeff creates delicacies for private multi-course dinners, large catered events, and family meals. To the greater Texarkana area, Jeff is known as a professional virtuoso in the kitchen. To his many friends and fans, he is known simply as Cheffrey.

One year ago, Jeff wanted to make a change and try something new. He moved to Steamboat Springs to open a restaurant called The Periodic Table. “It wasn’t the best experience,” Jeff remarks. “I went on to be the executive chef for a men’s 90-day rehab facility (Three Strands) until COVID hit.” Jeff was unemployed for a little while, and then chose to open Chef on the Run in Steamboat Springs. “It was extremely hard,” he comments. “I did build up a nice following with my private cheffing, but not constant enough.” While the beauty of Colorado and its fly-fishing spots appealed to him, it was time for Cheffrey to come home.

*Focusing on the food presentation is a feat that Jeff takes pride in.*

Jeff will be operating Chef on the Run out of the Collins Home on Olive Street, beginning this month. He is ready to resume life in Texarkana. “When I left, I left behind a lucrative business, good friends, and an environment that I loved. I’m excited to start-up my business again (catering, cooking classes, private dinners). I thought for sure somebody would step in and do it, but COVID-19 has made it a difficult year.”

Jeff’s current plan is to promote family meal pickups at the Collins Home in a COVID-friendly manner. These meals include salad, entrée, sides, rolls, and a dessert to please a multitude of palates. Jeff would also like to have a booth at the spring bridal expo to showcase catering options. He hopes for a return to normalcy later on in 2021. As he resumes cheffing in Texarkana, Jeff looks forward to the day-to-day aspects of “organizing my craziness, from food prep, getting employees on the same page. and communicating with my clients.” He does recognize the challenges in being self-employed as a chef. “It’s a great job, but it’s a ‘when-needed job.’ It’s not a 9-to-5 job, so it can be challenging but fun.” Jeff emphasizes “trying to make people understand the many facets of running your own business, why I price things a certain way, and all the work that goes into it. I think people forget that. I take pride in what I do and have high standards. I love what I do and bring my energy 100% of the time.” This dedication is how Jeff keeps his clients happy and seeking his food. The comments on Jeff’s Facebook page demonstrate that Texarkana is welcoming him back with open arms and hungry bellies.

Yet, it’s not only creating and cooking meals that has called Jeff home. One of his greatest rewards is the ability to give back to the Texarkana community, from feeding the homeless to giving away food or paintings for fundraisers. It’s important for Jeff to “give back when you can.” He also emphasizes supporting local businesses, the heart of a community.

When not creating menus or cooking, Jeff enjoys fly-fishing for trout and painting abstract art. “I can be pretty lazy when burned out,” he laughs. His favorite meal? Either “my biscuits or gravy or a juicy steak,” he says. Jeff also advocates for young chefs, having been in their shoes. He recommends that they “taste their food and focus on the presentation. Use your passion. Be creative and try everything. Don’t be scared; take chances.”

Jeff has taken a chance of his own to return to a community that he loves, and which loves him in return. He appreciates all the support that Texarkana has given him the past 16 years and looks forward to the future. As we all wish for a happier and healthier year, having Cheffrey home brightens that prospect considerably.

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There's no place like home