Meet Trina Gregory-Propst | Wife/Mother/Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Trina Gregory-Propst and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Trina, what role has risk played in your life or career?
My perspective on risk taking has always been outside of the box I’m only realizing how much risk taking Ive done in my lifetime recently …. But it started when I was 19 my first huge risk , leaving college 3 years into a degree in vocal studies and realizing I didn’t want to sing for the rest of my life, then entering a risky career in the Spa industry. I found joy and a commitment to making other humans look and feel their best , it was rewarding and I remained in that industry for a little over 27 years . Fast forward to 42 and I found another way to reinvent myself and took the risk and returned to school to seek a Culinary degree and begin test another new career
Life is all about finding what gives you joy and fulfillment and taking whatever risks are in your way to get there . I’ve typically just called that “living my life” but now realize I’ve taken several risks to get me where I am today

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Se7enbites is my love child , this is the first restaurant I’ve ever worked in (my own) some would say that’s crazy to start a business you e never worked in before but I saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow and bring my knowledge of running my own business for 27 years in the Spa Industry as a solid foundation to launch my new adventure Se7enbites began in 2013 we are a Full service Southern bakery and comfort food restaurant , I graduated on May 2 and signed my first lease on a 987 sq foot restaurant on May 3 and I haven’t looked back since

My wife (girlfriend in 2013) encouraged me , helped me make some tough decisions, and then joined me in the growth of Se7enbites, we are quite the team and always make decisions together
In 2015 our brand was bursting at the seams in those 987 sq feet and we purchased our first building and started the build out of a 4000sq foot restaurant… it was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time , it took over a year but we finally made the move and started the process all over of growing our brand . I believe the community has embraced us because we have stayed true to exactly who we are , Southern nostalgic comfort food and baked goods with a modern twist . I’ve never made or produced one thing that I personally wouldn’t eat , we have tried to stay authentic to our brand in every decision we’ve made
I am very proud we have not altered or deviated from what our guests can expect each and every visit
Family recipes have played such a huge role in our business and it’s ingrained in me and flows through my veins , I’m not sure who else I could be than who I am exactly right now

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Orlando and Florida in general are equally amazing The food scene in Orlando has really changed in the last few years
Locally owned business is at the forefront of our city and the owners are some of the best of the best
My list of eateries is endless but some of my favs are Luke’s , Garp & Fuss, Swine & Sons , MX Taco, Tornatores ….. we eat out a lot so this list could be endless
I would definitely make sure to do some shopping in Winter Park and Ivanhoe village , take them to East End Market for delicious coffee or amazing ramen. No one should miss a ride on the Winter Park scenic boat tour and take a paddle on a swan boat at Lake Eola.
Orlando is so much more than the theme parks
My favorite same day get away is St Augustine filled with eclectic restaurants and sight seeing as one of the oldest cities in Florida but my happy place is in the Florida Keys with sand in my toes and a umbrella cocktail in my hands
Thats my Florida

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I most certainly would not be where I am today without my amazing support system of my wife, my family and my dear tribe of beloved friends . When I think about my inspiration it’s always strong women in leadership roles , but mostly it’s the woman who helped shape me my Grammie , she was the most beautiful soul inside and out and her philosophies, her cooking skills, her love of community and helping others is what has inspired me to find new ways to be of service to women in my community

Website: www.se7enbites.com

Instagram: @se7enbites

Twitter: @se7enbitesChefT

Facebook: Se7enBites

Yelp: Se7enBites

Other: Food Network Se7enbites Chef Trina Gregory-Propst

Image Credits
Mike Dunn (photos of me holding pie) Edible Education (phot of me and table of plates dessert) The rest of the photos I took