Leading Caterers of America Executive Summit Keynote 2023

Chef Kristi Brown is a renowned culinary artist who has made a significant impact in the food industry over the past 30-plus years. She began her culinary journey at a small café in downtown Seattle, where she discovered her love for cooking and experimenting with flavors. After completing her education at the Seattle Culinary Academy, Chef Kristi founded That Brown Girl Cooks Catering in the mid-1990s, quickly gaining popularity due to her unique culinary style and exceptional service.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Chef Kristi realized the need for a community kitchen to provide meals for those in need. So, with her mantra, "Everybody Gotta Eat," she launched a community kitchen along with other local Chefs that quickly gained recognition and appreciation from the community. This experience not only helped Chef Kristi to continue her passion for cooking but also allowed her to give back to the community.

In the same year, Chef Kristi and her business partner and son, Damon Bomar, opened Communion R&B, a highly acclaimed restaurant located in the heart of the Central District in Seattle. Communion R&B has received accolades from Conde Nast Traveler and The New York Times. Chef Kristi's unique culinary style is inspired by Seattle's diverse cultures and neighborhoods. Her cooking is a reflection of her love for people and her desire to connect with her heritage and legacy.

Chef Kristi's contributions to the food industry have not gone unnoticed. In 2021, she was named one of Seattle Magazine's most influential people and an Emerging Chef Semifinalist for the James Beard Awards. She continues to influence many, which the Puget Sound Business Journal recognized, as she was listed as one of the Women of Influence 2022. Her passion for cooking, dedication to her community, and unique culinary style continue to inspire and influence aspiring chefs worldwide.