We had the good fortune of connecting with Tra’von Eley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tra’von, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Growing up a huge Kobe Bryant fan the word risk has always been a powerful word for me. Once said by Kobe “if you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail”. I was 22 years old starting my own business so the probability of failing seemed to be high in peoples mind. As I grow as a young entrepreneur I encourage others to embrace failure as a part of the learning process of life, but to never give-up because the moment you give up is the moment you let someone win.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my cooking career at Mahoning County Career Technical Center in Canfield, Ohio at 17 years of age in High School. Trained by Chef Matt Putzier led to me being employed at The Lake Club in Poland, Ohio for a summer. The end of my senior year I received a job at Bistro 1907 in Youngstown, Ohio as a line cook for 2 years. Year 3 at Bistro 1907 lead me to accepting a new position as the Kitchen Manager for 3 years. Along these great chapters in my life I learned that I wanted to be known for something that I created and not someone else. I took a huge risk and left Bistro 1907 to start Tra’s Gourmet Sandwiches in 2022 and I haven’t looked back. I without a doubt appreciate all of the people that took the time to help me grow as a young chef as well as an entrepreneur.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Youngstown, Ohio is full of great local chefs that I’ve had the pleasure of working for. Ive created many friendships with so many chefs across the valley that have been a great inspiration for me. There is so many different types of foods and great craft cocktails to pick from. My personal favorite would be a small place in Boardman, Ohio named “Italian Villa”, the chicken parm is to die for. There’s many local bars with some amazing drinks if you haven’t been to Downtown 124 in Warren, Ohio you have to check out their craft cocktail list! My favorite obviously would be the local festivals that we have to offer that have been a tradition for years! Lets not forget the many coffee shops and brewery’s we have as well, Stone Fruit Coffee, Branch Street Coffee, Birdfish Brewery, Penguin City Brewery, and Modern Methods are all great places you have to check out! The best part about the valley is there is so many locally owned great places to go!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest support system has always been my family in anything I decided to do in life. Most importantly the love and support I’ve received from customers who love coming to our events and supporting us! I couldn’t be more grateful for the staff that has grown into family, without all of these people the brand wouldn’t be as successful as it is now!

Website: trasgourmet.com

Instagram: @trasgourmet

Facebook: Tra’s Gourmet Sandwiches

Other: tik tok @trasgourmet

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