Chef Shawn Osbey (aka “The Traveling Chef”) is a culinary force, offering bold, high-end dining that is grounded in American foundations and inspired by global influences from his worldwide travels. Founder of Chef Shawn Osbey Catering, he hosts luxury events from small soirees to large corporate events and appears at food festivals nationwide. Shawn grew up in Danbury, Connecticut, and discovered his joy in the kitchen on snowy mornings when he would opt out of shoveling snow with his brothers to cook breakfast for his family. Shawn played college basketball and pursued a degree in Business Management from Hartwick College before attending the Connecticut Culinary Institute and launching a Las Vegas career. There, he apprenticed under legends like Charlie Palmer and Sam Haze. Then Shawn became an executive chef for premier properties, including The Mirage and Aria hotels.

Chef Shawn’s charismatic personality has been featured nationally on Food Network’s Chopped, OWN’s Checked Inn, Good Morning America, TODAY Show and California Live. His passion for quality has been spotlighted in stories for Inland Empire Magazine, Atlanta Journal Constitution, The Atlantan, EBONY, Eater, Houston Chronicle, and Cuisine Noir. He played a key role in the downtown Houston reopening of the critically acclaimed, Kulture Restaurant. He continues to develop as a public figure, serves as a brand spokesman for THOR Kitchen and participates in big events like Food Network’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival and New York City Wine & Food Festival, Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Sun Wine & Food Fest, Big Sur Food & Wine Festival and the Georgia Food & Wine Festival. He was the 2025 Impact Speaker for the Danbury Student and Business Connection (DSABC).

Mentoring Program and was honored with a state proclamation in Connecticut and a city proclamation in his hometown of Danbury. Chef Shawn also addresses the nation on matters of entrepreneurship and culinary innovation. In 2025, he participated as a panelist for Wells Fargo’s 100 Black Men of America and New York Black MBA forums. His continued journey is that of redemption, vision, and flavor.

@chefshawnosbey