An Inspired Chat with Christopher Ingram Karis Walker of Atlanta

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Christopher Ingram Karis Walker. Check out our conversation below.

Christopher Ingram, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Running a culinary company is as rewarding as it is challenging. Behind the plates of food and the smiles at events, there’s an intense grind that few people see. Some events cost more to produce than they make, and success often comes after taking risks that don’t always pay off. Long hours are the norm—early mornings sourcing ingredients, late nights cleaning down kitchens, and countless weekends spent away from family to bring our food to life for others.

What keeps us going is the passion. Seeing a customer light up after tasting something we created, or knowing that a single event could open the door to new opportunities, makes every tough day worth it. Bando Verde is built on grit, consistency, and a love for sharing bold flavors, and that dedication is what keeps our business moving forward even when the work is hard.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
We are Chef Christopher Ingram and Chef Karis Walker, the co-founders of Bando Verde, a culinary brand where Southern roots meet global flavors. Christopher is a Marine Corps veteran, firefighter, and culinary school graduate, and Karis is a culinary school graduate and creative force in the kitchen. Together, we’ve built Bando Verde as a reflection of our shared passion for bold, chef-driven flavors and community-focused food experiences.

Our signature creation, Bando Sauce, has been taking Atlanta by storm, showing up at local markets, events, and in dishes that turn everyday meals into unforgettable bites. Running a culinary company is no easy feat—some events make no profit, the hours are long, and the grind is real—but our love for flavor and seeing people connect with our food makes every challenge worth it. Bando Verde is our story of grit, creativity, and the joy of sharing good food.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
We’ve always been who we are—the world is just now getting to see it. Our passion for food, creativity, and building community through flavor has always been at the core of who we are. Bando Verde is simply the outward expression of the energy, grit, and love for culinary craft that’s been in us from the start.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Never. Regardless of success or failure, quitting has never been an option for us. The culinary grind is full of long hours, unpredictable outcomes, and moments that test your patience, but our passion and purpose have always been stronger than any obstacle. Every challenge we’ve faced has only fueled our commitment to keep moving forward, building Bando Verde one plate, one bottle, and one opportunity at a time.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Our closest friends would say that what really matters to us is seeing our friends and family accomplish their wildest dreams. Nothing inspires us more than watching the people we love chase their goals, overcome challenges, and create the lives they’ve always imagined. Their wins feel like our wins, and being part of that journey fuels everything we do.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If we retired tomorrow, our customers would miss the way we make them feel. It’s more than food—it’s the authentic connection we create by treating people like people, not just customers. They’d miss our genuine energy, our love for the work, and the joy we bring to every interaction, whether it’s at a market, an event, or behind the counter.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bandoverde.com
• Instagram: @bandoverdeatl
• Other: tiktok (@thebandochefs)

Image Credits
Tyler Nelson Photographer