Meet the chef

Meet Executive Chef Booker Eiland, hailing from St. Louis, Missouri. With a string of accolades to his name, Booker T Eiland embarked on his culinary journey as a franchisee in the restaurant industry, first at Houlihan's and later venturing into opening seven Applebee's establishments.

From a young age, Booker fostered a deep love for cooking, inspired by his mother Bertha's culinary prowess in the kitchen. Bertha, originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, effortlessly concocted delectable dishes, relying on her intuition rather than precise measurements.

As Booker's career progressed, he had the opportunity to showcase his skills in renowned five-star resorts, hotels, and casinos. During this time, fate led him to cross paths with Stafford DeCambra, the former president of the esteemed American Culinary Art Federation (ACF), who became Booker's invaluable mentor. Under Stafford's guidance, Booker delved into the realm of cooking competitions, ultimately cementing his status as an award-winning chef.

Beyond his culinary accomplishments, Booker Eiland is a devoted father to four beautiful children—two boys and two girls—and a proud grandfather to fourteen grandchildren. While his expertise spans various cuisines, he particularly shines in Italian delicacies and the comforting flavors of southern-style cuisine. As Booker himself proclaims, "I am driven by a profound passion for life and the art of crafting exquisite foods."