Chef Shay Atkins knows a thing or two about frying turkeys. In fact she knows about 15 different things because that's how many flavors her fried turkeys come in! From jerk BBQ to Thai Coconut Curry to Peaches & Rum, Taco Fiesta or just plain old Southern Fried she may just well be the queen of turkey frying. As a young entrepreneur and owner of the Chicago-based
Creative Turkey Cuisine (CTC) restaurant, Atkins was busy this holiday season. In addition to her regular holiday orders, she gave away over 1,000 turkeys to needy families this season, feeding 5,000 families.
With the launch of her
First Annual Creative Turkey Cuisine Fundraiser, Atkins offered the public several opportunities to assist with reaching her heart inspired goal. Individuals could either sponsor a family or families directly or donate to participating organizations and businesses who had committed to the CTC effort. In addition, organizations and businesses were also invited to become involved in the effort.
A budding businesswomen, Atkins was the grand prize winner of the Elevator Pitch Competition at the 2010 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference. With a passion for helping people and feeding them great food she opened Creative Turkey Cuisine after her win. Creative Turkey Cuisine is the very first exclusive, all turkey and vegetarian catering company and restaurant providing clientele with choices for a healthier lifestyle. Her 15 flavors of signature fried turkey were available for shipping during the holiday season and she has plans to open additional locations in Washington, D.C., Atlanta and California in 2012.
"I have been blessed with a wondrous opportunity to fulfill my dreams. Creative Turkey Cuisine was a vision that has been made a reality. Healthy food is a fabulous form of happiness and during the holidays, happiness and food are not things that everyone can take for granted. The Annual Creative Turkey Cuisine Fundraiser is another vision I am determined to make a reality. The goal is 5,000 families but with a little holiday spirit, I'm hoping we can feed even more," expressed Atkins, as she geared up for the event.
Love in Action (
http://www.loveinaction.org) with locations in Philadelphia, Orlando, San Diego and Chicago; the
God Promise Ministry (
http://godspromiseministries.net);
WOW Women International (
http://www.wowwomen.org);
Billionaire Minds, which is focusing on feeding students and
Mikal Clay Hair Products participated with the Atkins campaign.
About Creative Turkey Cuisine
Creative Turkey Cuisine is an exclusive turkey and vegetarian restaurant that ships its Signature Gourmet Fried Turkey's nationwide. The menu options feature creative, flavorful and delicious cuisine. CTC appeals to the current demand in the country for health conscious food choices that still taste great. Health and wellness is the focus through sumptuous, gorgeous meals that don't compromise flavor or taste. CTC offers all the flavor, taste and creativity without the guilt, essentially less sodium, fresh herbs, fresh produce and more flavor.
Turkeys are available in 15 gourmet flavors, fried in 100% peanut oil, vacuumed sealed in reheatable oven bags and packed with dry ice to ensure fresh delivery. For more information visit
http://www.CreativeTurkeyCuisine.com.