Chef Jeff

Chef Jeff’s culinary journey is truly inspiring. From a young age, he was captivated by the savory dishes his mother and grandmothers prepared. His love for food grew as he watched celebrity chefs on television, motivating him to replicate their recipes and hone his culinary skills. In 2015, while working as a site manager for Navy Federal in Djibouti, Jeff discovered the remarkable ability of food to create a sense of belonging. Embracing this insight, he volunteered to cook for deployed personnel during holidays and special events, gaining invaluable experience catering to large groups and reinforcing his belief in food’s transformative power. After spending over six years abroad, Chef Jeff returned to the United States and founded 3J’s Catering in 2020. Under his leadership, the business has flourished, earning praise as a sought-after private chef for celebrities and gaining media attention through appearances on News Jax.

 His culinary prowess has garnered multiple awards, including the Black Expo People’s Choice Award in 2021 and 2023 and the prestigious Savory Award in 2023. He was also nominated for the esteemed Boss Award in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

 Chef Jeff has demonstrated his culinary expertise at major events, including the unCorked Jax Wine Festival, Longest Table, Taco & Tequila Festival, Oktoberfest, Jax Jazzfest, and VIP Catering for JAX River Jams 2023. In February 2024, he secured a major contract with Canteen to provide daily hot meal services for employees at two Amazon locations, further solidifying his reputation in the industry.

Chef Jeff has hosted the WJXT News4Jax Thanksgiving special for the past three years, captivating millions of viewers with his curated recipes and expert cooking tips. His influence extends beyond the kitchen; he serves on the Florida Black Excellence Fest board and has been a trustee member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce since 2022.

In addition to his culinary achievements, Chef Jeff is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of chefs. He actively participates in local culinary programs and workshops, sharing his expertise and passion for cooking with aspiring chefs. Chef Jeff mentors aspiring chefs through organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club of Jacksonville and Alonzo Mourning’s Overtown Youth Center in Miami with Common Threads. His knowledge of seasonal cooking, engaging storytelling, and culinary demonstrations makes him a dynamic and valuable participant at the festival.

Chef Jeff strives to empower young talent through his mentorship and create an environment where creativity and culinary skills can thrive. He believes in the ability of food to connect and uplift, and his journey demonstrates his culinary expertise and unwavering commitment to positively impacting the community.