Meet Kendall Bryson of Chef Kendall’s in Lincoln Square

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendall Bryson.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a kid, I was not a picky eater. My love for food started at a very young age. When I was about 7 years old, we lived on a farm and had calves. It wasn’t until then, I realized what happened to animals and the process of getting them to our supermarket shelves. I was horrified. I went vegetarian without any real research or planning. Unfortunately, I did not eat healthy foods for years! My relationship with food was not a pleasant one for a long time.

It wasn’t until I was in high school that I realized I wanted to learn how to cook the fancy dishes that looked like beautiful artwork and learn to appreciate where food came from and how to prepare it in a way that whoever ate it would also feel that appreciation. I literally watched Julie Child every day after school and before work for about two years. I went to culinary school and never looked back. My relationship with food has never been stronger.

After years of long, stressful hours and pushing my body to keep up with the culinary world, I decided my body needed a break. I needed a reboot. I have learned to not only love food and enjoy creating passionate plates but to also use food to help heal and energize my body. I don’t think that I would have become a mother if I never took that break. My daughter was a wonderful surprise that has helped me keep up with my health and my positive relationship with food. I am now a role model to a young female in this crazy world and it’s so important to me that she (and hopefully all young girls) has that helping hand and doesn’t have to go back and rethink how she feels about food.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh, boy… has any road really been smooth? About ten years ago, I drank only coffee, beer, and Jameson. I ate only skittles and I slept 3-4 hours a night. It was a nightmare! The after hour life in the culinary world for me was much like a rockstar. Long days, long nights. After passing out in the kitchen one day and being taken to the hospital, I was told that I had an autoimmune disease. I was in shock. I basically destroyed my immune system. I immediately made some big changes,

I went vegan. I worked as a Corporate Chef for a vegan restaurant group that really helped get me going on rebuilding my systems and nurturing my organs. It was exactly what I needed and where I needed to be. I helped me get things under control without medications.

Another obstacle, if I’m being honest, has been the change from being in the culinary world for years to being a Stay at home mom. Two completely different lifestyles. I have loved every minute (well, almost… 3 is rough) with my daughter but I have had to slow down and reevaluate my goals. I still want to have my own restaurant one day, but that gets put on the back burner for now. Right now, focusing on keeping my child alive is a top priority.

Chef Kendall’s – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
What I am doing now, is offering my skills to help other people that may need help with their diet. For whatever reason, whether it’s for health reasons, weight loss, healing from sickness or disease, help with meal planning and shopping or even just helping people appreciate cooking more.

It has taken me a long time to feel this healthy and I think since I’ve been on the other end of this, I can really help people feel better and eat better.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Getting the Corporate Chef gig was definitely my proudest moment so far. I interviewed for that job and walked out knowing I wouldn’t get it. I literally got the job offer the second I stepped out of the elevator. It was where I was supposed to be. It was such a huge step up for me. And obviously making a human!

Contact Info:

• Website: chefkendall.com
• Email: kendall@chefkendall.com
• Instagram: chefkendallanne

Image Credit:
Kelsie Huff

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