Randy Stricklin-Witherspoon

Married to Mark, a proud father of two beautiful daughters, Raschelle and Rontaé and a doting grandfather of six kitchen savvy grandchildren. And he has always been a dog dad.

   A native of South Carolina, Randy enjoyed being in the kitchen or in the huge vegetable garden with his paternal grandmother. There was always livestock to play with, hogs, cows, chickens and dogs, always the best dogs anyone could have. As a U.S Air Force veteran, Randy eventually moved to New York City. This move literally led him to the bright lights which gifted him a career as a wardrobe dresser on Broadway shows. "The best career ever!"  And for fun, he used to cook for his colleagues on the many shows where he worked. He loved being a dresser for the actors and working in the wardrobe department, but soon his cooking made him pretty popular. 

   Eventually, friends encouraged him to "stop feeding us for free" and start a backstage catering service. That led to Spoonfed NYC,  a restaurant in the Theater District 2015-2020.  
Since he started catering in 2008, Randy still enjoyed working as a dresser on Wicked. It wasn't until a few years later, the Legendary actor James Earl Jones and his wardrobe dresser, Christina Cocchiara, planted the seed that Randy should consider opening a restaurant. Not only did the Broadway community of friends, and coworkers encourage him to dare dream bigger, they donated their time to help raise funds as well as their limited free time to help with the construction of the build out of the restaurant. The love and support of the Broadway community was in abundance and was one of the biggest reasons the doors opened. "I am forever humbled and grateful."

During the incredible time that SpoonfedNYC was opened, Chef Randy was passionate in sharing his love of cooking for those who walked through the doors. Randy enjoyed making new friends with his customers and regarding them as part of his family.He and his husband would love meeting and sitting with the guests. There was always lots of childhood stories, laughter, live music and of course, great food. It was important to share the love that was so freely given.

    In the kitchen of the SpoonfedNYC restaurant, was a dedicated and talented staff. Randy considered himself very fortunate to have work with and alongside Chef Mustapha. Chef Mu is an incredible and masterful Chef who lent his passion and knowledge to elevate Randy's soulful dishes. He also shared his culinary knowledge, techniques and training that influenced Randy's desire to enter Aguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts to deepen his knowledge and appreciation of classical techniques and food preparation.

As this culinary journey continues, Chef Randy is excited to virtually meet you and help you to cook and Eat Like You Mean it, Honey!