Finding a Way Podcast Ep 9: Chef Nigel Jones — Building Authentic Community, One Bite at a Time 🍴✨

What this episode covers

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with changemakers shaping a better future!Finding a Way Podcast Ep 9: Chef Nigel Jones — Building Authentic Community, One Bite at a TimeWhat happens when food nourishes more than just our bodies? In this episode, host Gem sits down with Chef Nigel Jones—restaurateur, cultural storyteller, and community leader—to explore how food can be a force for connection, identity, and local change.Born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in the Bay Area, Chef Nigel left a corporate career to open Kingston 11 and Calabash, two Oakland restaurants rooted in bold flavors and Black joy. His mission? To create spaces that feel like home—especially for people of African descent—and use culture, cuisine, and conversation to strengthen community ties.We dive into his journey from self-taught chef to advocate, his leadership of a coalition of 400+ local businesses, and how he uses food, music, and civic dialogue to inspire action. Through everything, Chef Nigel reminds us of the power of showing up locally, leading with intention, and honoring our differences as strengths.✨ Tune in for a rich conversation about food, identity, and the joy of building community from the block up.🔔 Subscribe for more stories of changemakers shaping a more connected and compassionate world.#FindingAWayPodcast #ChefNigelJones #Kingston11 #Calabash #OaklandEats #BlackOwnedBusiness #FoodAndCulture #CommunityLeadership #SocialImpact #CivicEngagement #FindingAWayMediaCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro01:24 - Chef Nigel's Busy Day06:14 - Chef Nigel Jones: Culinary Journey10:34 - Entrepreneurship: Behind the Scenes16:50 - Early Life and Community Impact20:30 - Business Ownership and Community Engagement27:10 - Engaging with Mayoral Candidates30:11 - Cultural Assimilation34:10 - Chef Nigel's Vision for the Future43:00 - Staying Focused on Work44:52 - Driving Positive Change48:16 - Favorite Dish to Cook51:58 - Final Thoughts and Takeaways54:57 - Outro

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