Super Bowl to Super Chef: Rian Wallace's Rousing Culinary Journey

Rian Wallace, STH '11, has had quite the nonlinear journey. He was drafted in 2005 to the Pittsburgh Steelers, leaving his Temple journey with just a few credits to go. His five-year football career included stints with the Steelers (where he played and won in the Super Bowl), the Washington Redskins, the New York Sentinels and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. An injury cut his time short, but he didn't let that keep him down. He decided to pick back up at Temple and finish his educational journey, graduating in 2011. While that previous half-decade had been a whirlwind for him physically and emotionally, he always had his love of cooking to lift his spirits. His humility and strong connections with his family and the Philadelphia community led him to launch his own catering company, Bare Hand Love Cuisine, and now, 10 years into the venture, he's excited to build on that success and ready for what comes next.

As Rian and Bare Hand prepare to return to this year's football tailgates and Homecoming and Family Weekend, we spoke to him about his career, his business and what the Temple community means to him.

The following Q&A has been condensed for clarity and conciseness.

What initially drew you to Temple University?

My recruitment to Temple was a bit of a wild turn of events. My older cousin, Chonn Lacey, who was a star player at Temple, went to the coach’s office and asked why I wasn’t being recruited. The coach asked for my highlight tape, so Sean and I drove to a Rutgers game where I handed over my tape. The next day, the coaches watched it and decided they wanted to offer me a scholarship. I was performing well in Pottstown, but somehow Temple hadn’t noticed me yet. Thanks to Sean, my recruitment took off from there.

Rian playing for the Temple Owls.

Rian playing for the Temple Owls.

What was your experience like playing on the Temple football team?

Playing at Temple was a great experience. I was drawn to Temple because it was a Division I school in the Big East, which was a strong conference at the time. With teams like Virginia Tech and Miami being top ranked, it was exciting to be part of that environment. I liked that my family could easily come to the games. I initially had delays in qualifying and was set to go to Valley Forge Military Academy, but despite suffering an injury, Temple still wanted me. So, I chose to go directly to Temple instead of prep school.

RIAN'S CAREER STATS

Your full Temple journey was a bit of a non-linear path.

Yeah, I started at Temple in 2001. I redshirted my freshman year and then had three successful years, earning Freshman All-American honors and making All-Conference and All-American lists. I decided to enter the NFL draft early, so I still had a year of eligibility left. After my NFL career, I took some classes at Pitt and then finished my degree at Temple in 2011.

How was it transitioning from playing in the NFL back to going to school and finishing your degree?

It was always known in my family that you’re going to graduate at some point no matter what. It was a little weird being out of professional sports and then in class, they find out you played, and they’re like, “Hey, bring your Super Bowl ring!” [laughs] It wasn’t too big of a deal, but I was about 27 or 28, and being with mostly 21-year-olds, I felt a little like the older guy. But I just stayed on track, humbled myself, became a regular student and was involved in all my group projects. It was a little odd, but I knew what my mission was.

Rian with Philly's own Patti Labelle, who had him cater one of her events.

Rian with Philly's own Patti Labelle, who had him cater one of her events.

How did Bare Hand Love come about? Was it something you started right after leaving the NFL, or did it develop later?

Bare Hand Love started after I graduated. I was initially focused on sports and financial literacy programs through my nonprofit, Goals Over Obstacles, but I was also working a side job in insurance. Cooking had always been a passion of mine since I was a kid; I started with an Easy-Bake Oven! In college, I lived off campus, was used to always cooking as a bachelor. In Pittsburgh, I would always cook my own meals. Later, I started doing pop-up events to raise funds for a kids' camp. The positive response to all my cooking led me to pursue it more seriously. What began as a hobby then turned into a successful business over the years.

For someone unfamiliar with Bare Hand Love, how would you describe it?

Bare Hand Love is about putting genuine effort and love into what you create. My brother used to say, "That’s that bare hand love" when referring to how our mom made food with care. It’s about making something from scratch with dedication, much like how you build a house with love. Our food is a fusion of various flavors—Caribbean, soul, traditional American and sometimes Asian influences. It’s all about creating unique and flavorful dishes.

What are some of your favorite dishes to make, and what do you enjoy most about owning Bare Hand Love?

My favorite dishes often are what customers love, but some of the popular items include my seafood rices and agave jerk chicken, which balance sweet and spicy flavors. I enjoy creating "Chef’s Choice" dishes that surprise customers with unique flavor combinations. Owning the business gives me the same thrill as football. I love the challenge and the opportunity to compete, and it’s gratifying to see people enjoy my food. I love when they get surprised with the flavor combinations and say, “I’ve had this before, but I’ve never had it this way.” That’s what I love about our food; we may do something you’ve heard of, but our way has its own little twist that the customers love. It’s just like the field; you’re only as good as your last play. Now, you’re only as good as your last dish.

You come back to cater Homecoming and the Temple fan tailgates. What’s your favorite part about returning to Homecoming, especially now with your business?

I love coming back to Homecoming because it feels like a family reunion. It’s amazing to see people you haven’t seen in a while, or younger students who want to hear about your story and are inspired by you. I just love that Temple’s like a big family; it’s a great way to reconnect and inspire others.

How has your connection with the alumni community been since graduating?

I would say that statement, “Owls are everywhere” is 100% true (laughs). The Temple network is strong and supportive. Now that I’m in my early 40s, all the people I knew from my 20s are now in influential positions and often refer me for events or opportunities. That Temple connection has provided a lot of referrals for me and continues to benefit the business as I build relationships and try and keep on paying it forward.

What advice would you give to young people looking to break into their chosen fields, whether it’s sports, culinary arts, or business?

I’d tell them to build a strong network and stay passionate about their goals. Engage with people from various fields, since you never know how those connections might benefit you. Approach your career with dedication and be ready to put in the work. Remember, success doesn’t come overnight, and embracing the journey, with its ups and downs, is crucial. Believe in yourself and stay committed to your path.

What’s next for Bare Hand Love? Are there any big plans on the horizon?

I’m looking to scale the catering side of the business, aiming to increase our events in Philly and the Tristate area. I also have a concept for a fast-casual restaurant that I hope to franchise. I have big dreams, just like I had in my football career, but I know that it takes time to build and I’m okay with what each stage is at because it took me 20 years to become a pro athlete. This is year 10 of the business and I’m already seeing success. So I’m just going to keep pushing and pushing.

FOLLOW BARE HAND LOVE CUISINE ON INSTAGRAM

Temple alumni bravely pursue their biggest ideas and transform them into #TempleMade businesses that defy expectations and shake up the rules of the game. To learn more about Temple Made businesses or list your own business, visit the Alumni Owned Business Directory today!