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About Rockel's Kitchen
Executive Chef Aldena Williamson - Rockel’s Kitchen: A Tribute to My Father’s Legacy and 20 Years of Culinary Expertise
Rockel’s Kitchen is a heartfelt tribute to my father, Rockel Williamson III, whose love for cooking was the heart of our family gatherings. Though he spent his career at Chrysler, his passion for crafting flavors and creating memorable meals deeply influenced me. After his passing in 2000, I honored his legacy by pursuing culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University. Each holiday meal I prepare for our family continues his tradition and keeps his memory alive, reminding me of his enduring impact. His spirit guides every dish I create, ensuring that his passion for food lives on through Rockel’s Kitchen. It is not just a business but a way to share his love with others and create new memories that reflect his enduring influence.
With 20 years of professional culinary experience, I have specialized in food service management, banquets, and catering for large events. In 2009, I began working in the banquet department at the Detroit Yacht Club (DYC), where we catered for large gatherings and provided off-site catering for Ford Motor Company at their test track in Dearborn, MI. I left DYC in 2016.
In 2010, while still working at DYC, I took on a role at Odyssey HealthCare, an inpatient hospice facility. I was responsible for preparing meals for 12 full-time patients, each with specific dietary needs. I remained there until 2014.
My diverse work history also includes roles at the PGA Tournament in Augusta, GA (2014 and 2015), Coach Insignia (2012), and as a tutor for Proliteracy Detroit (2016–2018). Since leaving Proliteracy Detroit in 2018, I have focused on building my own business, providing five meals a week to a dedicated list of clients. Since March 2019, I’ve managed all aspects of my home-based business, from menu creation and pricing to shopping, cooking, cleaning, and delivery.
Rockel’s Kitchen is more than a culinary business; it’s a continuation of my father’s legacy and a way to share his love for food with the world.
Future Endeavors
At Rockel’s Kitchen, we are dedicated to delivering thoughtfully prepared lunches and dinners to our clients, with plans to expand our offerings to include breakfast options through carry-out and delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash. We will also provide specialized holiday meals that can be picked up, finished at home, or prepared on-site. Beyond our culinary services, we are committed to making a positive impact on the community by offering summer job opportunities for local youth. Through hands-on training and mentorship, we aim to inspire and nurture the next generation of culinary talent, partnering with local schools and programs to foster real-world skills and career growth.
