Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Marlo.
Chef, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m from Atlanta, where food isn’t just what we eat—it’s how we gather, connect, and show love. My childhood home was always full: full of laughter, full of people, and always full of something good simmering on the stove. My father was an incredible cook, and I was lucky to be his shadow in the kitchen. We spent weekends watching legends like Yan Can Cook and Justin Wilson—those early shows planted the seeds of curiosity and creativity in me.
I was the first of my younger cousins who could really throw down in the kitchen, and I wore that like a badge of honor. Our house was the gathering spot—holidays, fish fries, family dinners, you name it. My parents owned a trailer they used to run at festivals, and that gave me my first taste of fast-paced, real-world cooking. I also worked in the deli and produce department of a grocery store all through college—still finding ways to be close to food.
Eventually, I started cooking for baby showers, birthdays, family reunions—any chance I could get to feed people and make them feel something. That passion led me to pursue commercial kitchen experience, starting with a stagé at Sambuca Jazz Café. I got my first real kitchen job as a prep cook at Legal Sea Foods, then joined Seasons 52 in Buckhead, where I climbed from prep cook to line cook to key culinarian. I was eventually promoted to Sous Chef, which took me to Birmingham, and later back to Atlanta at Rosa Mexicano in Atlantic Station.
That chapter taught me discipline, leadership, and consistency—but deep down, I knew I wanted to cook on my own terms. I stepped away from the restaurant world and walked into entrepreneurship, building a name for myself as a private chef in Atlanta. Word spread quickly, and I began cooking for some of the city’s biggest names. That momentum birthed Meals by Marlo, my chef-driven meal prep service that’s been thriving since 2018.
In 2019, I published my first cookbook, You See The Flavor, filled with upscale, approachable recipes dedicated to the memory of my father. In 2022, I was invited to showcase at the New York Wine & Food Festival, where my oyster mushroom taco became a fan favorite. And in 2023, I stepped onto the Food Network stage for Chopped—and walked away as the Chopped Champion.
Since then, I’ve become a monthly culinary contributor on the lifestyle show Atlanta & Co., where I share recipes and connect with the community that raised me. I’ve also launched brand partnerships and activations with Big Green Egg, ButcherBox, and Ghost Tequila, curating events that merge storytelling, culture, and cuisine.
My journey has taken me from the heart of my childhood kitchen to stages I never imagined—but no matter how far I go, it’s always been about one thing: making people feel seen, loved, and full one bite at a time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all—it’s been full of lessons. Entrepreneurship is rewarding, but it comes with real sacrifices. There were financial risks, long nights, and seasons where I was pouring into a vision that hadn’t paid off yet. It took relentless belief in myself—especially in moments when things weren’t clear—and faith from my family that I was building something bigger than just a food business. Nothing about this journey has been easy, but every challenge has shaped the chef and man I’ve become.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At the heart of everything I do is one belief: food should make you feel something. Whether it’s nostalgia, comfort, or celebration, I want every dish to tell a story.
Through my brand, Chef Marlo & Co., I offer innovative culinary experiences, from chef-driven meal prep with Meals by Marlo to private dinners, catering, brand activations, and more. People know me for flavor-forward cooking that blends culture and creativity with real soul.
What sets me apart is the intention behind the food. I didn’t take a shortcut to get here, I came up through the hustle, learning every part of the kitchen from the ground up. That journey shaped how I move, lead, and create. Every bite I serve carries a piece of that.
I’m proud of how the brand continues to evolve, partnering with national names, showing up on TV, and still keeping it personal. You See the Flavor isn’t just the name of my cookbook, it’s the mindset behind everything I do. If you’re looking for food that hits deeper than the plate, welcome to the table.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Absolutely. No journey like this happens alone. First and foremost, my parents laid the foundation, my father, who passed down his love for cooking, and my mother, who created a home where people felt safe, fed, and cared for. That spirit lives in everything I do.
My wife and kids are my constant motivation and grounding force. They’ve sacrificed time, energy, and comfort so I could chase this dream, and their belief in me has never wavered, even when mine did.
I’ve had mentors in and out of the kitchen, chefs who taught me technique, leadership, and how to move with purpose. I’ve also had clients who became family, who trusted me early when all I had was talent and a vision.
And then there’s my circle, my close friends and family who feel more like siblings. They’ve been some of my loudest supporters, never bashful about rooting for me. They share my wins like they’re their own, and they’ve reminded me time and time again that I’m built for this.
This path takes more than just skill, it takes community. And I’m blessed to have one that rides with me, prays for me, and pushes me forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chefmarlo.com
- Instagram: @chef_marlo
- Yelp: YSTFTV
