Today we’d like to introduce you to George Hawkins.
Hi George , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Meet George Hawkins – Chef G
Chef & Owner, Chef G’s Kitchen LLC | Takoma Park, MD
My story began on August 19, 1997, when I entered the world weighing just 2 pounds, 9 ounces—born prematurely to my then 18-year-old mother, Dominique Jones. Her strength, love, and maternal instincts saved my life, and I’m forever grateful. I grew up as the oldest of seven siblings, a role that shaped me early on. From a young age, I found myself in the kitchen, cooking meals to help care for my brothers and sisters—unintentionally planting the seeds for what would grow into a lifelong passion.
I was raised in Takoma Park and attended schools throughout Montgomery County, Maryland. In high school, I split my time between John F. Kennedy High School and Thomas Edison High School of Technology, where I enrolled in the Restaurant Management Program. During those two years, I competed in culinary competitions like SkillsUSA at the state level and learned the foundations of culinary arts, baking and pastry, and essential kitchen safety and sanitation.
After graduation, I took a gap year, working at a country club to confirm that cooking wasn’t just a hobby—it was my calling. That clarity led me to the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where I earned my Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts in 2021. Attending the CIA was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It pushed me creatively and technically, and solidified my path as a professional chef.
Over the years, I’ve honed my skills working at several notable restaurants, including Republic in Takoma Park, helping to open Motorkat, and later joining MercyMe in Dupont Circle. Each experience added depth and flavor to my culinary style.
Today, I proudly run Chef G’s Kitchen LLC, offering a variety of professional chef services.
My mission is simple: to serve soul-satisfying food that tells a story, celebrates culture, and leaves a lasting impression.
I’m thriving, evolving, and leaning into this exciting new chapter of entrepreneurship—building a brand, empowering others through food, and continuing to create culinary experiences that bring people together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey hasn’t been smooth—it’s been shaped by personal loss, emotional growth, and relentless perseverance. I faced deep grief early on, losing my grandmother at 15 and my uncle at 18. Navigating that pain while learning to understand and manage my emotions was a major part of my growth.
At the same time, I was forging a path as a self-sufficient entrepreneur. Building a business from the ground up came with its own challenges: finding clientele, staying consistent, and pushing through uncertainty—all while striving to become the best version of myself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Chef G’s Kitchen LLC ?
My name is George Hawkins, but most know me as Chef G. I’m a 27-year-old chef and entrepreneur, proudly serving up fresh, innovative twists on global cuisines through my business, Chef G’s Kitchen LLC, based in Takoma Park, Maryland.
That clarity led me to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where I earned my Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts in 2021. Attending the CIA was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It pushed me creatively and technically, and solidified my path as a professional chef.
Over the years, I’ve honed my skills working at several notable restaurants, including Republic in Takoma Park, helping to open Motorkat, and later joining MercyMe in Dupont Circle. Each experience added depth and flavor to my culinary style.
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Today, I proudly run Chef G’s Kitchen LLC, offering a variety of professional chef services:
• Private Chef Dinners (intimate, coursed-out meals)
• Meal Prep
• Catering & Baked Goods
• Culinary Instruction
• Travel Catering
• Drippin’ – My Signature Line of Gourmet Sauces
My mission is simple: to serve soul-satisfying food that tells a story, celebrates culture, and leaves a lasting impression.
I’m thriving, evolving, and leaning into this exciting new chapter of entrepreneurship—building a brand, empowering others through food, and continuing to create culinary experiences that bring people together.
Im most proud of my freedom to be creative and innovative in every avenue of my business to help grow and expand.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First and foremost, my Lord and Savior, God — none of this would be possible without You.
To my mom, siblings, friends, and family — each of you has played a unique role in my life, giving me the support I needed to become the person I am today.
Mom & Siblings – You put your boy through college, and I DID IT! I wasn’t leaving without my degree, and now I’m proud to say I graduated from the CIA! Your love, sacrifices, and belief in me were my foundation. You’ve been my biggest support system, and I’ll never forget it.
Chef Shoutouts:
• Chef Smith – Thank you for helping me establish a strong foundation at such a young age. Your guidance set the tone for everything that followed.
• Chef Sammy Diaz – Your influence pushed me to be innovative, to break barriers, and to cook circles around anyone who stepped into the kitchen with me!
• Chef Lindsay Hills – My best friend from CIA. Thank you for the sleepless nights studying, the laughter, the constant motivation, and real advice. You just GET IT! LOL!
And lastly — to myself: For never giving up. Once I saw the vision, I knew I was going to make it there… and beyond
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefg__?igsh=cWJsbjdxcTUwc3o%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: Email: ChefGsKitchen97@gmail.com
