San Francisco – Brunch Masters, the Bay Area’s premier culinary initiative, proudly announces the selection of its top chefs for the 2024 Brunch Masters Program. This talented group showcases the best in brunch cuisine, infusing creativity and cultural diversity into every dish.
Chosen through a rigorous application process, these chefs are celebrated for their unique culinary perspectives and commitment to sustainable practices, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The Brunch Masters Program will amplify their visibility and provide essential resources for growth.
“This year’s chefs exemplify the innovation that Big Black Brunch champions,” said Bivett Brackett, founder of Big Black Brunch. “Our program addresses COVID-driven inequities in the food industry, building on our mission to support food entrepreneurs. We’re excited to share their distinctive flavors with the Bay Area every Sunday from November 2024 through March 2025. San Francisco Board of Supervisor for District 10 Shamann Walton said: “I am excited about the Brunch Masters series kicking off each week here in Bayview! Good food, good people, good fun right here in community. This is how we bring a neighborhood together and support entrepreneurship at home.”
Participating chefs will host high-profile collaborative brunch experiences at Gumbo Social leading up to the Brunch Masters Showcase, where they will compete for the title of Brunch Master of the Year. Expect partnerships with local coffee artisans and talented pastry makers.
Meet the 2024 Brunch Masters
1. Henry Hamilton – Chef’s Way Catering
2. Marisa Gittens – Cafe Noir
3. Charles Farrier – Crumble & Whisk
4. Elishanay Daniels – Fusion Rolls, LLC
5. Gil Payne – Nombe
6. Kyle McGrath – Properly Seasoned Kitchen
7. Roman Rogers – Rome’s Kitchen
8. Alisha Wilson – Lil’ Alijo
This diverse group represents various culinary influences, from traditional brunch to innovative fusion dishes. Big Black Brunch remains dedicated to uplifting underrepresented chefs, including BIPOC and women entrepreneurs.
“My experience with Big Black Brunch has been delightful. They have given me the opportunity to display my talents to a broader audience and customers,” said chef Roman Rogers, owner of Rome’s Kitchen food truck and catering company. “Brunch Masters is a first in the nation restaurant incubator program that allows me to operate in a commercial kitchen place and expand my menu items in a fun and enjoyable environment. Opportunities like Brunch Masters helps to elevate our business along with marketing and networking opportunities. Brunch Masters is something that the Bayview needs, an essential incubator to small businesses who uplift our communities in San Francisco.”
About Brunch Masters
Brunch Masters is the first of its kind restaurant incubator program created by Big Black Brunch to highlight the top brunch chefs in the Bay Area. Through culinary showcases and mentorship, the program supports emerging chefs in building sustainable careers and culminates in the Brunch Masters Showcase, where one chef is crowned the Brunch Master of the Year.
About Big Black Brunch
Big Black Brunch, founded in 2018 by San Francisco native Bivett Brackett, aims to strengthen community and Black economic power through curated brunch experiences. We partner with BIPOC-owned businesses to showcase diverse cuisines – from Southern American comfort food to rich Nigerian flavors – while creating spaces that celebrate Black culture and promote economic circulation within the Bay Area’s Black community. By connecting BIPOC-owned restaurants, chefs, wineries and vendors with patrons, we foster community-focused events that support local businesses.
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted small businesses, with Black-owned establishments among the hardest hit. Many saw significant revenue losses, and some permanently closed. Once public health guidelines allowed, Big Black Brunch innovated to help over 150 businesses throughout the Bay Area recover, organizing events like night markets, block parties, health and wellness hikes and park activations to drive customers back to BIPOC owned establishments.
For more information about the Brunch Masters Program, contact Bivett Brackett, founder, Big Black Brunch, at [email protected], visit www.bigblackbrunch.org and, for social media, @bigblackbrunch.
