07/27/2026
We have some new foodie friends here on social media and more who came out for last week's Guest Chef Caribbean Soul Cafe Pop Up, so I figured I'd reintroduce myself.
Hey y'all, I'm Chef Shauna.
I've spent more than 20 years doing what I love: cooking, teaching, leading teams, and learning everything I can about food.
Before opening my own businesses, I worked my way through NYC restaurant kitchens, airport hospitality, college dining, and all aspects of executive culinary leadership. I oversaw multi-unit food
operations, helped acquire and launch new accounts, managed quality programs, and served thousands of guests every day. Those experiences gave me a strong foundation, but they also taught me that food is never just about feeding people.
After years of leading large culinary operations, I traded boardrooms, pitch decks and production schedules for
stories, culture, and community.
These days, you'll usually find me chasing an old recipe, talking to one of my farmer friends, blending a new tea, testing a spice mix, or wondering how to reintroduce an old favorite food to the younger generation. THAT'S the stuff I love!
I believe food is one of the best ways to understand people. Every recipe tells a story. Every ingredient has traveled. Every culture has something beautiful to teach us if we're willing to sit down and listen. I always say we are more alike than we are different and you can find the most similarities in food.
So that's what you'll find here. Caribbean food, Southern influences, medicinal herbs, baking, history, traditions, a little food science, and whatever else has me curious that week. Sometimes I'll teach you something. Sometimes I'll make you hungry. Hopefully, I'll do both.
I'm really glad you're here.
Feel free to reach out with any foodie or herbal medicine questions. I'm always happy to share what I know.
Our Gourmet Market, Tea Room and Bakery are located at 1218 Hawkins Ave Sanford NC.
Hope to see y'all soon!
- Chef Shauna
Peep Aiden photo bombing. 😀❤️
