Recorded on April 15, 2021 – Cheryl Torrance, a.k.a Uncle Chuck, shares with us her love of food and community. Having experienced a challenging time in her early adult life, she tells us how she now enjoys being invited to any dinner table to share in the everyday celebrations.
Timestamps
- Intro – 0:22
- Covid – 1:30
- Business – 8.25
- Personal – 23:05
- City – 39:14
- Quick Fire – 1.00:28
- Conclusion 1:01:40
- End – 1:04:55
Creativity & Community Through Food with Cheryl Torrance, a.k.a Uncle Chuck
Cheryl a.k.a Uncle Chuck a.k.a Daddy made the best of her new-found time and launched her BBQ Sauce and Spice Rubs business during Covid. Teaming up with The Side Kitchen in Leslieville, you can find her products lining the shelves.
Her personal story is a story of overcoming adversity. Having to leave her adopted home at 15, she spent a good part of her youth on the streets and addicted to drugs. At a certain point she realized that things had to change.
Finally accepting help and entering rehab, she slowly rebuilt her life. With the distant memory that she was loved by her long-time neighbour, she began helping others in need. When working at the shelter she would bend the rules, enter the kitchen and begin feeding everyone during the late night hours.
She entered the food business at Cumbraes in front of the house, where she learned about the meat business and providing top notch customer service. She put herself through Culinary School and was involved in the food industry for 20 years.
Uncle Chuck’s was born 5 years after leaving the food industry and was designed for connection and community. She has a lively presence on social media, which is part of her community. Her motto is “Empathy, Respect and Dignity”.
Her resilience is admirable and her love and appreciation for community is what drives her. When Covid is over she plans to have people form a line and promises to give everyone the hug that they deserve! We already feel the love.
Follow on Instagram @Chef_inked and @Uncle_chucks
Other links shared:
The Side Kitchen, Leslieville: @thesidekitchen
Friends of Ruby – www.friendsofruby.ca
