Today we’d like to introduce you to Duriel Barnes
Hi Duriel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Meet Chef Duriel Barnes, native to the DC area. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Bowie State University and also earned his Associate of Arts in Hospitality and Culinary Arts from Prince Georges Community College. In 2006, Duriel joined the Metropolitan Police Department and has been career driven since.
In 2016, Duriel launched his catering business “The Chosen Chef, LLC”. The Chosen Chef Catering & Events is a full service private company, specializing in the fine dining experience. We are a family owned and operated business, licensed and bonded in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our business offers catering for large and small events ranging anywhere from 2 to 2,000 guests!
Not only is Duriel a business owner, he has participated in many notable cooking challenges and won awards from competitions such as The Washington City Paper “Best of 2020” awards. After taste test and many votes, The Chosen Chef won “Best Local Caterer” and “Best Personal Chef”. He was also awarded 3rd place for having the “Best Pie” in the city.
In other words, Duriel is a local hot commodity. He has cooked for local and national celebrities including DJ Quick Silva, Donnie Simpson, Lil Moe, Poet Taylor and Jamie Foster Brown to name a few. He has also been a guest on local news stations such as Good Morning Washington, WTTG Fox 5 DC , WJLA ABC 7 Evening News, and the WBGR Network. Chef Duriel is also a regular on Fox 5 DC “Lion Lunch Hour Show” where he showcases food & beverages on their #1 show. His resume speaks for itself
Most recently, The Chosen Chef served as the head chef on multiple MegaMind Media Productions shoots, a production company working for networks such as BET, BET Her and TV One. On set, Duriel cooked for The likes of Vivica A. Fox, Megan Good , Vanessa Bell Callaway, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Michael Colyar, and so many more!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many entrepreneurs and small businesses, finding capitol to sustain is one of the biggest challenges in business. Hiring and keeping “good” workers is also an challenge when business are trying to scale.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Chosen Chef Catering & Events is a full service private chef & catering business focused on delivering exceptional food and memorable event experiences. Its offerings include a wide range of services, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events like weddings, corporate functions, and special celebrations. The business emphasizes quality, flavor, and customer service, aiming to provide not just meals but a life changing experience for all clients. We here at The Chosen Chef specializes in American fusion flair with a twist on soulful creations.
On the beverage side of the business, “DMV DrinkZ” our friendly and talented mixologists elevate your special occasions with professional, full-service bartending. Our experienced and licensed bartenders are dedicated to providing top-notch service, ensuring that your guests enjoy every moment.
We offer a variety of bar services tailored to meet the unique needs of your event, including:
• Custom Cocktails Drink Menus: Work with our bartenders to craft a drink menu that suits the theme and style of your event, including signature cocktails, mocktails, and classic favorites.
• Premium Liquor Selection: We provide a curated selection of spirits, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages to suit all tastes and preferences.
• Responsible Service: Our team is trained to ensure responsible alcohol service is provided, keeping the focus on guest enjoyment and safety. Our team is trained to deliver alcohol service responsibly, prioritizing guest enjoyment and safety at all times.
• Event Setup and Cleanup: We handle all aspects of the bar service, from setup to cleanup, allowing you to enjoy the event without any stress.
• Glassware, Tools, and Equipment: All necessary bar tools, glassware, and equipment are provided to ensure a seamless experience. We supply all the essential bar tools, glassware, and equipment to guarantee a smooth and seamless experience.
• Tailored Packages: Whether you are hosting a small gathering or a large event, we offer customizable bartending packages to fit your budget and needs.
Let us help make your event a success with professional bartending that adds a touch of class and excitement.
At The Chosen Chef Catering & Events, we bring the bar to you! Our mobile bartending service provides a full, customizable bar experience at any location of your choosing, ensuring your event is unforgettable. From weddings and corporate events to private parties and festivals, our experienced, licensed bartenders craft delicious, hand-crafted cocktails and provide top-tier service. We take care of everything from setup to cleanup, leaving you free to enjoy your event. Let us elevate your celebration with personalized drink menus, quality ingredients, and exceptional service wherever you need us!”
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson learned along the journey with The Chosen Chef Catering & Events is adaptability and resilience. In the catering and events industry, no two events are the same, and the ability to pivot quickly to meet client demands, manage unforeseen challenges ( last-minute changes or supplier issues), and still deliver excellence is crucial.
Another key lesson is the value of building strong relationships—whether with clients, vendors, or team members. Success in this field often hinges on trust, communication, and collaboration, which helps to ensure repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Finally, balancing creativity with business sense is an valuable lesson—knowing when to push boundaries with innovative ideas while maintaining a focus on profitability and efficient operations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thechosenchef.com
- Instagram: The Chosen Chef & The Chosen Chef Experience
- Facebook: The Chosen Chef
- Twitter: @ChefDuriel
- Youtube: The Chosen Chef
- Yelp: The Chosen Chef Catering & Events
- Other: https://www.google.com/TheChosenChefCatering&Events
