Meet the chef

Hi, I'm Derrick Toole.

I am the owner of Piece of Potato. I'm excited to bring this idea of transforming a potato into a meal to everyone in Aiken, S.C. and the surrounding areas. I bring nearly 25 years of experience to Piece of Potato.

As a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, I was a series' guide at graduation and served as a Food Service Specialist. I learned discipline, leadership and teamwork. Some of my closest friendships began during this time. Once a Marine, always a Marine!

I started my civilian career in the food industry as a dishwasher and cook at the Historic Westside Bowery and eventually became the general manager of a national food corporation. Those experiences shaped my culinary expertise and laid the foundation for where I am now.

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A little more about me

I am the father to four beautiful children, three girls and one boy. They keep me busy but motivated. Starting this business and letting them see me work, and be part of the action, has been the highlight of this journey so far.

My oldest daughter, a rising college sophomore, receives the orders. My youngest, three years old, hands out the drinks in her Piece of Potato hat. My son is already preparing a kid's menu while my middle daughter is negotiating gifts for handing out menus to customers.

Outside of being a father, I enjoy football and dogs. I'm a Carolina Panthers' fanatic, but don't tell anyone. One goal this upcoming NFL season is to take all my kids to a Panthers' home game.

My love for dogs began in elementary school with a family dog named Missy. Today I'm a dog-dad to two boxer pit bulls, a girl and a boy. We'll be welcoming some new pups in a few weeks. Yes, the girl is pregnant.

Thank you so much for visiting our website. I represent a team that is dedicated to quality food with excellent customer service. I look forward to meeting you in business.

Chef Toole