Food for the culture that brings comfort to your soul!
Chef Shanel and Chef B started The Break’n Cornbread Experiences as a curated pop- up dining experience centered around the celebration of black culture. We show up and show out every time!
MEET THE VIBE
Shanel DeWalt
Cofounder, Chef
Chef Shanel “Nel” DeWalt is an award-winning culinary force to be reckoned with from the eastside of Detroit who specializes in creating flavor forward dishes with seasonal ingredients. Chef DeWalt quickly gained a name for herself as the owner and executive chef of recently closed Divine Indulgence Personal Chef Services, LLC, a high-quality culinary establishment that specialized in providing professionally trained chefs for private in-home meal preparation, event catering, cooking classes, meal planning, and more.
With over seven years of experience working in the restaurant industry, Chef Shanel’s accolades are vastly growing. The Michigan Chronicle recognized her in their “Best Of Young Detroit” section by UAW-Ford stating that she is "a dynamic young woman in our community...". Divine Indulgence Personal Chef Services received recognition from Comcast Business and The HUB Detroit for commitment and pursuit of excellence in business. Live in the D featured her in their home-grown segment that showcased her culinary skills she is providing for the community. More recently, Chef Shanel became the first African American Female Chef in Residence at Kellogg Company to help bring culturally relevant, affordable, and nutritional foods to undeserved Black and Brown communities and the 2021 Forgotten Harvest Chopped Down Hunger Champion. Being an alumnus of Schoolcraft College Culinary Program, Chef Dewalt obtained her Associates of Applied Science in Culinary Arts.
Chef DeWalt currently serves as a culinary preservationist for Make Food Not Waste, an upcycling kitchen on Detroit’s eastside that takes rescued ingredients from farmers, grocery stores, and local food distributors to create delicious, nutritious, and complete meals for the community. She also established Shanel Marie, her culinary playground that hosts her memorable intimate dinner parties, culinary consulting agency,seasoning line, and lifestyle brand. Not only does Chef Dewalt put her all into Make Food Not Waste and Shanel Marie, but she also gives back to the community by volunteering her time, donating her services, and providing free food to non-profit/charitable organizations. She is making strides she never even dreamed possible but with the support of her family, friends, and her community, Chef Dewalt will continue to reach new heights by providing divine dining and memorable experiences for everyone who comes in contact with Shanel Marie & Break’n Cornbread.
When Chef Shanel is not in the kitchen, she is spending time with her family and living life to the fullest unapologetically. She enjoys quiet walks near the ocean, watching the sunrise, and spending time with her fiancé, DeJuan.
Keep up with Chef Shanel @shanel_dewalt on Instagram!
Brandon Johnson
Cofounder, Chef
Brandon (Chef B) Johnson, a true Detroiter born and raised on Detroit's west side is a inspiring young Chef, who is exploring his passion of the culinary arts, through the connection and community offered from food.
Chef B started his culinary journey in his senior year of high school at Frank Cody High school on Detroit's west side, where he joined Detroit Food Academy (DFA), an after school culinary arts and entrepreneur program. He went from being in the program to teaching it within a 6 month time period. While working with DFA, Chef B was able to embark on his culinary journey quickly. Chef B has been part of a culinary team of likewise young chefs, who have had the opportunity to cook for The Ford Family and Lamborghini.
Chef B also is the first scholarship recipient of the Regenerate Detroit Scholarship, a scholarship created by Chef James Rigato of Mabel Gray and former Detroit Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy, to help and provide resources and guidance for young Chefs to contribute to Detroit's growing culinary scene and revitalization.
Chef B is currently the Sous Chef & Creative Director of Events for Reva Constantine Events based out of Southfield MI, at the Great Lakes Culinary Center. He’s also a Copper Creative for Copper House a neighborhood-based safe space for the cannabis community (Detroit’s 1st Bud & Breakfast).
When Chef B isn’t in the kitchen, he’s touring Detroit and the metro Detroit area food and restaurant scene as The Head Boudie (Boujee + Foodie) Coach. Vlogging and immersing his followers in his many food excursions.
Keep up with Chef B @theofficial_313chefb on Instagram!
“The food tells the story, but the vibe leaves them wanting more.”
Shanel DeWalt
CoFounder