Black boys belong in the kitchen too.
For years, it has been taught or pushed onto children that boys (especially black boys), shouldn't play with kitchen sets or be in the kitchen, primarily out of fear of misperceived homophobic elements. This fear of a boy growing up to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community stemmed from old-fashioned teachings. A viral post of a little boy playing with a kitchen set sparked a debate in regard to his "place" as a boy. In the same debate, many argued that most world-renowned chefs & employees in the field of culinary arts are indeed MEN. (Source: Becauseofthemwecan.com)
Let's be honest, we all love men that can cook.
According to statistics out of 147,434 chefs, only 10.3% are African American & 75% of all chefs are men (Source: Zippia)
Chef Brandon Sumblin, an alumnus of Franklin High School, checks both boxes of the previously mentioned statistics. His wife, Tiera, also checks the black box.
Chef Sumblin's love language is food, & his wife, Tiera Sumblin, speaks his language as she is also a chef. I guess we can say that it was love at first bite. Both are graduates of the College of Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, NC with experience working with top caterers & restaurants throughout Charlotte, NC. Together they own a catering company called Safi Personal Events that is committed to quality & creating memories (Source: Safievents.com)
Brandon's extensive culinary experience begins with assisting with opening 2 restaurants for Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck in both Charlotte, NC & Palm Desert, CA. Chef Tiera's parents with Chef Sumblin & Chef Sumbin at their side. operated & expanded a family restaurant, Serenity Tearoom & Fine Dining, located in Frederick, MD. Chef Brandon introduced & showcased his "creative cuisine" which he liked to categorize as Elevated Southern while his wife, Chef Tiera, dominated the desserts. With much work & a mixture of family recipes & creative cuisine, Serenity Tearoom was " the #2 Tearoom in the United States on teamap.com & the #1 Overall Restaurant in Frederick on TripAdvisor.com." The menu & cuisine is described by the Frederick Post as a blend of "culinary expertise & Southern Roots" which is credited to the reinvention & expansion of Serenity Tearoom. The closing of the family business in 2019 (after 15 years in business), was the birth of Safi Personal Events, LLC in 2020. (Source: safievents.com)
Brandon's personal & professional life has been documented in an article in Frederick's CHILD where he discussed life behind the plates & the balance between food & family. In another interview (Citylifestyle.com) Chef Tiera shares her secret to making the most perfect chocolate-dipped strawberries. In a personal interview by Purposed to Inspire, he revealed that his career is led by faith.
The Sumblin chefs are no strangers to the spotlight or making headlines as they have made several winning appearances on the Food Network Channel. Blanch, Tiera, & Brandon have been featured on The Food Network 6 times with 5 combined wins. (Source: Serenity Tearoom former) Brandon’s hometown local newspaper, Tidewater News, covered the Food Network victory achieved by Brandon on an episode of Cooks vs. Cons. The article headline highlighted his success, “Brandon Sumblin, FHS class of ‘11, wins ‘Cooks vs. Cons’ Food Network show.”
(Read more at: https://www.thetidewaternews.com/2016/10/08/brandon-sumblin-fhs-class-of-11-wins-cooks-vs-cons-food-network-show/)
Under the chef belt, the Sumblin chefs have been seen on:
- Season 12 ep 15- Family Food Feud
- Season 18 ep 13- Supermarket Rematches
- Season 19 ep 6- Thanksgiving Family Food Feud
- Season 22 ep 9Season 27 ep- Grand Reopening Part 1
- Season 2 ep 8- Crab Cake Crazy
A recent Facebook post shared by Atlas Restaurant announced Chef Brandon as their Executive Chef.
Meet the newest member of the Atlas Restaurant Group team! Brandon Sumblin is the Executive Chef of the newly opened Parlour Victoria in Washington, D.C. Brandon brings tremendous culinary and leadership experience to the team. Not only is he an amazing cook, but a true business partner and mentor to his fellow chefs. He runs his kitchen like a well-oiled machine, leading with positivity and respect. He strives to provide an environment where people enjoy coming to work. Brandon attributes this to his upbringing. Growing up as a preacher's son, he learned from an early age to treat people with love, grace, and mercy. Brandon says, "The love of Christ allows me to extend that same love and respect to my team." Brandon's biggest leader in his life is his father, who instilled a drive and work ethic which he strives to mimic every day in the kitchen. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Tiera (who is also a Chef), and his two adorable kids, Liam and McKinsley.
Atlas Restaurant Group is so excited to venture into D.C. with Brandon leading the way! P.S. If you think he looks familiar, you probably recognize him as a 5-time Guys Grocery Games winner on the Food Network! -Atlas Restaurant
Brandon appeared on Fox 5 as the Executive Chef as an Atlas Restaurant Group employee.
”Brandon Sumblin, the executive chef of D.C.'s newest restaurant, Parlour Victoria Seafood Tavern, joins FOX 5 Morning Saturday to tell us about how the restaurant is elevating southern cuisine.” -Yahoo
Read the full article here.
Congratulations to these chefs for all of the amazing milestones in their careers!
Connect with the Sumblins on social media:
Facebook: Safi Personal Events, LLC.
Instagram: Safi Personal Events —Chefbrandonsumblin—chef_tiera
Website: safievents.com
Shout out to all the Black boys who are learning to make their way around their kitchens. We can't wait to see what you'll cook up! --Because of them We can
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