Chef Amaris Jones is a visionary culinary entrepreneur and celebrity chef celebrated for redefining modern Soul Food through a lens of health, heritage, and hospitality. Rooted in her formative years spent in her father's church on Philadelphia's iconic South Street and inspired by the warmth of generational family gatherings, Chef Amaris has built a career at the intersection of flavor, culture, and star power — cooking for entertainers, professional athletes, and some of the most recognized stages in food and entertainment media.

In 2012, she burst onto the national scene with the launch of South Street Restaurant in Miami's Design District — the city's first upscale Southern-style eatery. Lauded by the likes of Martha Stewart and LeBron James, her restaurant established her as a formidable culinary force. Just a year later, she headlined the Chicken Coupe event at the Food Network's SOBE Wine & Food Festival, further cementing her status in the industry.

A Go-To Chef for Athletes & Entertainers

Chef Amaris has cultivated a reputation as a trusted culinary partner to NFL players and top entertainers, curating private dining, wellness-driven menus, and event experiences for high-profile clients across sports and entertainment. She served as celebrity chef for the BET Awards VIP section two years in a row, bringing elevated soul food to one of music's biggest nights. Her work with hip-hop icon Rick Ross stands out as a signature success story: partnering with Reebok on a customized fitness and nutrition program, Chef Amaris helped design the health-conscious meal plan behind his widely publicized 80-pound weight loss transformation.

Television, Media & National Campaigns

Chef Amaris's media presence includes a featured spot on the Oprah Winfrey Network's (OWN) Food Fantasies, where her soulful, inventive approach to cooking reached a national audience. She also led a national marketing campaign for Pillsbury, creating custom Mother's Day edible baskets that were celebrated for merging culinary artistry with heartfelt gifting. Additionally, she served as Chef-at-Large at Marcus Samuelsson's celebrated Red Rooster Overtown, and represented the United States as lead chef for the Food for Diplomacy Initiative in Istanbul, Turkey, introducing global diplomats to the soul of American cuisine.

Miami Art Basel Presence

Over the years, Chef Amaris has become a fixture of Miami's Art Basel season, lending her culinary talents to a wide array of high-profile events — including serving as guest chef for Ebony Magazine's Art Basel event (2023), the Warner Music Group event with D-Nice (2023), and the NFL's Art Basel event in collaboration with Starter Jacket (2025), among others — each appearance reinforcing her standing at the crossroads of culinary art, music, and culture.

Corporate & Political Stages

A sought-after private chef and creative culinary producer, Chef Amaris's prestigious client list includes American Express, JP Morgan Chase, Cadillac, and top global luxury retailers. In 2023, she reached a career milestone when she was selected as a guest chef for Vice President Kamala Harris at a private fundraiser for the Biden Presidential Campaign, showcasing her culinary talents on one of the most esteemed stages in the country.

Chick 'N Jones

Her fast-casual concept, Chick 'N Jones, opened in 2021 and quickly became a beloved Miami staple, twice earning Miami New Times' Best of Miami Editor's Choice for Best Chicken Wings (2022 and 2026), along with "Best Pop-Up" honors from Legacy Magazine. From crave-worthy chicken sandwiches to her signature sweet potato biscuits, every dish reflects her commitment to flavor, quality, and cultural pride. Chick 'N Jones now operates out of City Food Hall in Doral, Florida, continuing to serve as a flavorful extension of Chef Amaris's soulful legacy.

Purpose-Driven Innovation

Her forward-thinking approach extends into food equity and innovation. As an Equity Advisor for the woman-owned cereal brand "Off Limits," she champions inclusivity and representation — values that have shaped her entire career. From designing health-conscious menus for professional athletes to headlining the Perez Art Museum's African American Fund Gala for three consecutive years, Chef Amaris continues to blend culture, cuisine, and creativity with purpose and flair.