Melvin “Boots” Johnson
Harlem Biscuit Company
Chef Melvin “Boots” Johnson has spent years perfecting his craft, creating bold new recipes, and establishing himself as a force in the culinary world.... READ MORE
Chef Melvin “Boots” Johnson has spent years perfecting his craft, creating bold new recipes, and establishing himself as a force in the culinary world. Inspired by his grandmother’s home-cooked meals, he combined his homegrown skills with lessons learned from top chefs to develop a signature style blending Cajun/Creole, Southern, and contemporary flavors. The ups and downs in an ever-evolving industry haven’t been easy, but Chef Boots has done more than just adapt—he’s set trends along the way. He has crafted menus and signature dishes for some of San Diego’s top restaurants, and at just 30 years old, he became the proud owner of the first speakeasy- style restaurant in the Historic Gaslamp District—an impressive feat for a kid from inner-city Los Angeles. His journey then took him to Las Vegas, where he rolled the dice on a gourmet food truck before returning to his first love: the traditional restaurant kitchen. Every dish he creates is a tribute to his upbringing—fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a sense of home. His goal? To offer diners a restaurant experience that feels like family, inspiring them to bring that same warmth back to their own tables. The next big opportunity led him to New York, where he took on the role of Executive Chef at Queens Bully. His BBQ skills quickly made waves, catching the attention of the New York culinary scene. In 2018, he was invited to compete in the Chopped Grill Master
Championship—no pressure, right? But Chef Boots thrived under it, taking home the title and proving he was a grill master to be reckoned with.
Championship—no pressure, right? But Chef Boots thrived under it, taking home the title and proving he was a grill master to be reckoned with.
