EPISODE · Feb 3, 2026 · 1H 14M
S1E12 Jason Fullilove
from Repertoire with Chef Sammy Monsour
In this episode of Repertoire, I travel to Redondo Beach, California to sit down with Jason Fullilove—chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and one of the most community-minded forces quietly shaping Los Angeles hospitality.Jason’s path spans more than two decades and multiple worlds. A Culinary Institute of America alum, he climbed the ranks from high-volume New York kitchens to the Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas, then into some of L.A.’s most respected dining rooms before launching Barbara Jean LA, where he brought African American soul food into a fine-dining conversation with precision and pride. Today, he’s expanding beyond restaurants with Tumi Coco, a clean, all-natural hot sauce built around turmeric, coconut oil, and flavor-first cooking—part pantry staple, part personal philosophy.But what makes Jason different isn’t just the résumé—it’s the way he shows up for people.We dive into:• Growing up between Cleveland and Zambia, and how early memories of scarcity, travel, and communal meals shaped his relationship to food. • The jump from music and rap to professional kitchens—and how hip-hop still fuels his creative energy. • Building Barbara Jean from scratch and discovering the power of community, relationships, and reputation. • Why networking in hospitality isn’t transactional—it’s about showing up, giving back, and playing the long game. • Creating Tumi Coco as a chef tool: clean ingredients, no preservatives, and food that supports health and performance. • Martial arts, discipline, and how training the body sharpens the mind in high-pressure kitchens. • Mentorship, patience, and why young cooks should chase skill over titles. • His next chapter: a paratha-driven café and listening bar concept, blending Indian flavors, vinyl culture, cocktails, and late-night hospitality.Jason and I talk about energy, generosity, and what it means to build a career rooted in service—to food, to culture, and to the people around you. It’s a conversation about longevity, intention, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome at the table.Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What this episode covers
In this episode of Repertoire, I travel to Redondo Beach, California to sit down with Jason Fullilove—chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and one of the most community-minded forces quietly shaping Los Angeles hospitality.Jason’s path spans more than two decades and multiple worlds. A Culinary Institute of America alum, he climbed the ranks from high-volume New York kitchens to the Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas, then into some of L.A.’s most respected dining rooms before launching Barbara Jean LA, where he brought African American soul food into a fine-dining conversation with precision and pride. Today, he’s expanding beyond restaurants with Tumi Coco, a clean, all-natural hot sauce built around turmeric, coconut oil, and flavor-first cooking—part pantry staple, part personal philosophy.But what makes Jason different isn’t just the résumé—it’s the way he shows up for people.We dive into:• Growing up between Cleveland and Zambia, and how early memories of scarcity, travel, and communal meals shaped his relationship to food. • The jump from music and rap to professional kitchens—and how hip-hop still fuels his creative energy. • Building Barbara Jean from scratch and discovering the power of community, relationships, and reputation. • Why networking in hospitality isn’t transactional—it’s about showing up, giving back, and playing the long game. • Creating Tumi Coco as a chef tool: clean ingredients, no preservatives, and food that supports health and performance. • Martial arts, discipline, and how training the body sharpens the mind in high-pressure kitchens. • Mentorship, patience, and why young cooks should chase skill over titles. • His next chapter: a paratha-driven café and listening bar concept, blending Indian flavors, vinyl culture, cocktails, and late-night hospitality.Jason and I talk about energy, generosity, and what it means to build a career rooted in service—to food, to culture, and to the people around you. It’s a conversation about longevity, intention, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome at the table.Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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S1E12 Jason Fullilove
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