JONATHAN FLOYD: How Do You Red Bean?

In 2016, Jonathan Floyd heard about a company in Chicago that offered care packages with items unique only to the Windy City. This had him wondering if anyone was doing this for New Orleans? He found that there was not a service that allowed someone the chance to order a box full of items that highlighted the things that makes New Orleans, New Orleans.

Floyd, a Louisiana native, wanted to start a business that could help make a positive impact on the community as well as a creative outlet for him to spread his love for his city. In 2017, he started Box of Care. His goal was not only aimed to offer unique items that showcase New Orleans atmosphere, people, music, and food, but he also wanted Box of Care to be a way to highlight and be a platform for other small businesses based in New Orleans.

Floyd’s passion for the city is on full display with the packages he has put together. Box of Care has a variety of themed packages to choose from. There are boxes that feature food items from iconic brands like Tabasco, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Tony Chachere’s, Crystal Hot Sauce, Zapp’s Chips, Elmer’s, Cafe Du Monde, and more. You’ll find a Mardi Gras themed box, a coffee and beignet care package, a snack pack, mugs, a hurricane mix care package (that I’m sure we could all use right now), and plenty more. Plus, they have a great looking t-shirt available.

The items Floyd and Box of Care offer show that there really is no place like New Orleans. The care packages are a great gift to send to friends and family who have moved away and are homesick, or are off defending our country, or to those that have visited and found a deep connection with the city like so many have (including myself).

But Floyd didn’t want to stop helping others there. In 2020, with his brother Dean Floyd, they launched the podcast Mind My Business. The two talk about the challenges of being business owners and offer advice and wisdom from what they have already gone through. The show breaks down different aspects of starting and operating a business, but also have interviews with others willing to share in their endeavors. The overall theme of the podcast is to inspire those who are sitting on an idea for a business, to go for it.

Jonathan Floyd’s goal was to make a positive impact on his community and to share his love of New Orleans, and he has done that with Box of Care and his podcast Mind My Business. That impact he created is now felt around the country.

Who makes the best red beans and rice?

My wife! Lol.

As far as restaurants go, I do like the red beans from Kenner Seafood (3140 Loyola Dr, Kenner, LA) and Hurst’s Restaurant (2152 Airline Dr, Kenner, LA).

When did you learn to make red beans and rice?

When I was around 10 years old I watched my mother do it and picked up a lot of her techniques.

What do red beans and rice mean to you?

It means a good meal. It means putting something hearty into my body. And it also means New Orleans food.

Are there any special memories that are brought up when you think back on it?

I remember my family sitting down at the table when I was young and all eating red beans together. It takes me back to a good time.

Do you only eat red beans and rice on a Monday?

Does anyone??? Lol. Of course now.

What’s your process for cooking a pot of red beans?

Usually, I will include the holy trinity and cook my sausage outside of the pot. I soak the beans overnight and use a Crockpot to slow cook them all day.

What do you serve with your red beans and rice?

Cornbread and definitely something fried next to it!

Did you have any projects that you’d like to pass along?

My business, Box Of Care, is going to be getting into the wedding gift business soon and will release a catalog soon. It will change the way we do gifts and represent New Orleans.

For more information on the packages that Box of Care has to offer, please visit their website at https://www.boxofcare.com. You can stay up-to-date with the newest products and gift packages by following them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

I was not given anything to promote this service. I just wanted to let you know that if you are looking for a great gift idea for anyone that loves New Orleans as much as you and I do, help support this great New Orleans business by ordering a care package.

For the latest episodes, you can follow Mind My Business on Facebook. You can listen to the show where ever you listen to your podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to their feed so you can be updated whenever a new episode is released.

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Keep the red beans cookin’!

Eric

Red Beans and Eric

Eric Olsson is the food blogger of RedBeansAndEric.com. He publishes new recipes and interviews weekly. He has developed recipes and written articles for the famous Camellia brand in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been mentioned in Louisiana Cookin‘ magazine and has had recipes featured in Taste of Home magazine – with his Creole Turkey recipe being runner up in their annual Thanksgiving recipe contest. He lives outside of Detroit, Michigan, with his wife and four children.