Jennifer Tanner | Putting Food on the Table

EXECUTIVE CHEF/EVENTS | JULIE'S DELI & MARKET

For the past 19 years, Executive Chef Jennifer Tanner has been fortunate to have a career she loves and work at her dream job.  Keeping the kitchen at Julie’s running smoothly and efficiently is her forte.  The many patrons who frequent this local deli and market are thankful for Jennifer’s expertise in preparing quality food that is second-to-none.

photo by: ABBY ELLIOTT

Why did you decide to be a chef? 

Cooking, for me, was always a creative outlet. It was a great way to unwind. I was in accounting for several years and really no one wants a “creative” person messing with their books! 

Name one thing about your profession that people might not know.

People in the service industry rock! They are the hardest working group of people I know – super adaptive, resilient, and we do really care if you enjoy your meal. It is important to us that people have a good guest experience and leave happy. I am so lucky to work with the best team around at Julie’s.

Who has helped you become the person you are today, and how did they inspire you?

I have had the great fortune to work with strong women – Suzanne Johnson, Teresa Brown and Julie Furlow - who always led by example. They inspired me to always keep family first, do my best, and encouraged me to trust my instincts.

Tell us one thing you can’t do without on Thanksgiving Day and explain why.

Thanksgiving, for me, is a day of rest and relaxation with family. I look forward to my mom’s desserts and yeast rolls – she doesn’t make them very often, but they are worth waiting for! And, my husband’s birthday usually falls on Thanksgiving weekend, and he is such a trooper to just pretend he loves that pumpkin pie with a candle shoved in it.

What do you love most about the Four States area?

Well, it’s home and most of my family is still here. Texarkana’s best asset has always been its people. The citizens of this community are so involved and really care about making it better for everyone.

What lessons have you learned from the pandemic?

I have learned not to get so tangled up in the details – plan but be extra flexible because it will inevitably change! I also know now how much I really appreciate eye-to-eye conversations after a million Zoom meetings.

How would you like for others to remember you?

Oh, gosh! If my daughter and husband know that they are truly loved, that is good enough for me.