Chef Lakeith Coates

I’m a chef shaped by Georgia roots and Bay Area ambition. I started my career grounded in Southern hospitality—big flavors, thoughtful technique, and food meant to bring people together. That foundation carried me west to the Bay, where I navigated a very different kind of kitchen: cooking at scale for corporate juggernauts like Google and Meta, where precision, logistics, and innovation mattered just as much as taste.

Over time, my work expanded beyond corporate dining into full-scale event coordination. I began leading wedding and private event programs for country clubs, translating personal stories into menus, managing teams, and delivering seamless guest experiences. Whether it’s an intimate plated dinner or a large, high-end celebration, I bridge creativity with execution.

Today, I consult with companies and hospitality groups on menu development, kitchen systems, and culinary identity—helping concepts find their voice while staying operationally sound. My path spans Southern tradition, Silicon Valley efficiency, and refined event hospitality, all tied together by a commitment to food that feels intentional, memorable, and human.