Meet Chef Rasheem Terry

From humble beginnings to culinary excellence

Chef Rasheem "Rah" Terry

Executive Chef & Founder, Bigalow Catering

Chef Rasheem Terry comes from humble beginnings. Chef "Rah" was born and raised by a single mother in New Britain, Connecticut. Chef's first exposure into the restaurant industry was for Houlihan's in the West Farms Mall as a dishwasher. Hustling for senior prom money, Chef Rah slaved in the dish pit.

The experience in the kitchen was tough, dirty, full of ego, testosterone and loud. However, he enjoyed the team atmosphere. It reminded him of playing sports, which playing football was Chef's first love.

The Culinary Journey

Johnson & Wales University (2005-2008)

After a failed college career and minor setbacks, Chef Rah found himself at Ruby Tuesday in Bristol, CT. Rising from line cook to kitchen manager and corporate trainer in just two years, he discovered his passion and enrolled at Johnson & Wales University, working 50 hours a week while studying full-time culinary curriculum.

Firebox Restaurant Internship

Chef Rah began his internship at Firebox Restaurant in Hartford, CT where he studied under his mentor Chef Jason Collins, an innovator of Farm to Table concepts and fine dining in Connecticut. Chef Rah had found his calling in life.

Marriott Executive Chef (2009-2019)

Executive Sous Chef at Windsor Marriott (5 years), then Executive Chef at Farmington Marriott (5 years). Managing over 70 employees, two restaurant operations, and a coffee shop. This decade of experience at Marriott provided the foundation for his catering expertise.

Bigalow Catering Founded (2018)

The years of event experience prompted Chef Rah to start Bigalow Catering Company in 2018, bringing his passion for farm-to-table cuisine and exceptional service to Hartford and surrounding areas.

JTK Management & Consulting

Executive Chef for JTK Management in Mystic, CT, running commissary programs for 6 outlets and overseeing social events at Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Stonington Country Club. During the pandemic, expanded into chef consulting for struggling operations.

Latest Partnership

All the valuable Chef and Business owner experience acquired throughout a twenty-year career would lead Chef Rah to his latest partnership with the owners of The Brick House, a reputable local Bar & Grill in Newington. The Brickhouse has been a staple in the nightlife scene for over 25 years.

The two men collaborate to bring consumers Bigalow Cafe at The Brick House - a Chef Driven concept featuring fresh locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, amazing drinks, and the ambiance and attentive service to match.

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