Chef Count
Sauté Kingz
The Culinary Visionary Behind Sauté Kingz
Chef Count’s culinary journey began at just eight-year-old when his mother first taught him how to cook. Born and raised in New York City, he grew up as a latchkey kid, often preparing meals for himself and his family. These early experiences ignited his passion for the culinary arts and laid the foundation for his bold, creative approach to cooking.
With over 25 years in the industry, Chef Count has mastered his craft, specializing in infused flavors and innovative twists on classic dishes. Chef Count started his business as a street vendor in 2008 on the corner of Second and Keech in the Midtown community. His unique live sauté pasta station, featuring fresh vegetables and ingredients cooked to order, quickly gained a loyal following. This interactive and flavorful experience set the foundation for what would later become Sauté Kingz by Chef Count. His dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction led to the creation of Sauté Kingz by Chef Count, an award-winning catering, Street vending, and takeout business. With the help of his family—Jessica, Kount Angel, and Jesshuan Foreman—Sauté Kingz has become known for its exceptional service and unforgettable flavors. One of Chef Count’s greatest accomplishments was competing in Season 15 of The Great Food Truck Race on the Food Network, where he showcased his culinary skills on a national stage alongside his family.
Beyond the kitchen, Chef Count is a dedicated mentor and the founder of Sauté Kingz and Queenz Jr. Academy, where he inspires and empowers the next generation of chefs. As a community leader, he is committed to fostering culinary creativity and providing opportunities for young aspiring chefs to develop their skills. His expertise has earned him widespread recognition, and his journey continues to evolve as he expands into new cities, participates in food truck rallies, and caters exclusive events—all while giving back to the community.
Chef Count’s Passion & Accomplishments
Chef Count’s love for food and people remains at the heart of everything he does. His dedication to culinary excellence has earned him numerous awards and accolades, including:
• 1st Place – Professional Griller, King of the Grill (2016)
• 1st Place People’s Choice & 3rd Place Professional – King of the Grill (2017)
• 1st Place – Best Savory Dish, Taste of Jacksonville Black Expo
• 1st Place – Professional Griller, King of the Grill (2018)
• 1st Place – Best Dessert, Port Orange Family Days (2018)
• 3rd Place – Professional Griller (2019)
• NAACP Entrepreneur of the Year (2019)
• Juneteenth Community Leader Award (2022)
• Best Dessert – Jesshuan Foreman Sanford Food Truck (2024)
Through his award-winning dishes, mentorship programs, and community initiatives, Chef Count continues to leave a lasting impact on the culinary world while staying deeply connected to his roots in the Midtown community. Overcoming personal battles in his youth, he has transformed his journey into one of resilience, passion, and purpose—rising to become a celebrated chef, entrepreneur, and community leader.
