Who we are

We’re a story of roots, passion, and heart. Born and raised in the charming town of Tallulah, Louisiana, Chef Joe Cooper grew up surrounded by the rich culinary traditions of the South.

While working at a small café in his hometown of Tallulah, Louisiana, a young Chef Joe Cooper soaked up everything he could from the café owner, Mr. Harry Barrett, who became a mentor and guide.

Those lessons stuck with him, and he’s always been grateful for them. With big dreams, Chef Joe left Tallulah for Las Vegas, where he spent four years as a night chef at the Showboat Hotel. From there, he joined the Army, earning his stripes as an E-5 Assistant Mess Hall Sergeant.

After his service, Chef Joe returned to the food world in Las Vegas, quickly making a name for himself. He held roles like Food and Beverage Director at two hotels, became the Executive Buffet Chef in Reno, and even ran his own spots like Chicken Shack and Tallulah, Too Restaurant. Later, he started the A to Z Catering Service, which was thriving until the pandemic hit.

Now, Chef Joe’s mission is to take everything he’s learned and pour it into Country Boy Foods Louisiana, LLC. His goal is to create opportunities for talented young people from his hometown of Tallulah, helping them grow with the company while building something that truly benefits the community he loves.