Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Ballas
Hi Alex, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in a small, traditional Italian family in Wilmington, Delaware, where Sunday dinners were always a big deal. We’d gather around the table for everything from wedding soup to lasagna—it was a time for family, connection, and of course, great food. That’s where my love for cooking began.
At 19, I entered the restaurant and bar industry, starting in entry-level roles and eventually working my way up to becoming a professional bartender. I created an online presence as “Alex the Bartender” and honed my craft, which led to opportunities at country clubs and notable restaurants along the East Coast. I traveled seasonally for a few years, gaining experience and expanding my horizons, until I eventually settled in Charleston, SC.
In 2021, I met Chef Sarah Cooper, the owner of The Carolina Chef. We started working together on private events, and I initially focused on front-of-the-house roles. During this time, I got to learn a great deal about the culinary world from a different perspective. Being part of The Carolina Chef team was a turning point for me, as I was able to dive deeper into the life of a personal chef.
To build on that knowledge, I enrolled at The Culinary Institute of Charleston, where I completed the Advanced Culinary Program and earned a Baking and Pastry certificate. I was also honored to be inducted into the inaugural class of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), which further fueled my growth in the culinary and hospitality fields.
What I’ve found most fulfilling is being able to work alongside my life partner, Chef Sarah Cooper. Together, we’ve built something truly special, and I absolutely love what we do. We travel the world in our free time, cook for incredible clients, and have a lot of fun along the way. It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m grateful for where it’s taken me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges I faced was making a complete career change—from working as a professional bartender to becoming a chef. It was a big shift, and it came with its own set of obstacles, especially since I was leaving something familiar behind to pursue something new.
On top of that, I decided to go back to school after many years away, which was intimidating at first. Balancing studies, life, and all the changes felt overwhelming at times. But even though it wasn’t easy, everything eventually worked out, and I wouldn’t change a thing. The struggles along the way only made me more resilient and grateful for the journey I’ve had. Looking back, it was all worth it!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As part of The Carolina Chef team, I focus on creating high-end dining experiences built around Lowcountry flavors. We take great pride in working with local farmers and markets, ensuring that our ingredients are not only fresh but full of flavor. I am grateful for the relationships we have established with local businesses such as Burbage Meats, Mount Pleasant Seafood, and Rosebank Farms, as well as the ability to support our community.
I am most proud of how smoothly I was able to transition into a new area of the hospitality industry. Becoming a personal chef while simultaneously balancing the responsibilities of back of house and front of house at the same time has presented a new challenge, but I believe I have managed it successfully.
What sets us apart is our commitment to making every meal a culinary experience. The relationships I cultivate with clients are invaluable to me; understanding their tastes, dietary needs, and the overall experience they want to create is essential. It is this combination of passion, personalized service, and a dedication to quality that I believe distinguishes my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecarolinachef.com/our-story
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the843chef
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwballas/
- Other: https://www.thecarolinachef.com
