For Chef Honcho, cooking started as a way to bring people together. Now, it’s a thriving business that blends Caribbean hospitality with fine dining and culinary mentorship.
Tashea Chanell, known professionally as Chef Honcho, has been a professional chef and caterer for eight years. Her culinary journey began in her family’s kitchen, where gatherings were a staple of her Guyanese upbringing. Hosting game nights and dinner parties soon turned into a passion that led her to a career in the food industry.
“I started applying to different restaurants with no professional experience, just passion,” Chanell said. “I told them I wanted to learn, and I got my first job. From there, I started posting my work on Instagram, and people started trusting me. Soon, catering requests started coming in, and I never looked back.”
Photo courtesy Rani Nimblette
Chef Honcho’s brand has expanded beyond catering. She founded Cooking with Honcho, a full-service catering company, and Honcho Club, a luxury private dining experience. Though she no longer operates a dedicated space, the Honcho Club provided an intimate fine dining experience in a penthouse setting, complete with curated decor and personalized service.
The name “Honcho” comes from Chanel’s admiration for hip-hop culture, particularly inspired by Migos rapper Quavo, known as “Huncho.” Over time, the name took on a deeper meaning for her.
“It became validation of my creative process,” she said. “I realized I was bringing my ideas to life. I’m the boss of my journey.”
Beyond catering, Chanel is committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs through Honcho University, her culinary mentorship program. The initiative focuses on business strategies, branding, and social media marketing rather than traditional cooking skills.
“I teach my mentees how to leverage their talents and position themselves for success,” she said. “It’s about working smarter, not harder. The power of social media and branding can open doors you never imagined.”
While Chef Honcho continues to grow her brand, she remains focused on delivering high-quality experiences that make every client feel like a VIP. Whether through a plated dinner or a branding lesson, her mission remains the same: to uplift others and create unforgettable moments through food.
