Meet Chef Boots

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.

During the pandemic, Chef Boots launched Harlem Biscuit Company as a call-in, takeout-only operation—right out of his garage. What started as a humble venture, serving up his signature chicken and biscuits, quickly gained a loyal following. Word spread fast, and before long, Harlem had a new go-to spot for comfort food done right. His culinary expertise soon caught the attention of The Renaissance Hotel, which tapped him to design an upscale, contemporary menu paying tribute to the Harlem Renaissance. Blending modern techniques with flavors rooted in history, Chef Boots created a dining experience as bold and vibrant as Harlem itself.

Over two decades ago, Chef Boots worked under the legendary Bobby Flay, honing his skills in a fast-paced, high-stakes kitchen. Years later, he found himself face-to-face with his former boss on Beat Bobby Flay—but this time, as a competitor. In a full-circle moment, he took home the win, cementing his place among the greats. With multiple TV appearances and a growing legacy, Chef Boots continues to push boundaries, blending tradition with innovation to serve up dishes that tell a story—his story.