About me

Chef Donna M. Allen’s culinary journey began at the tender age of 7, inspired by a long line of accomplished cooks within her family. From both her grandmothers, mother, and great cooking aunties on both sides, food was more than just a tradition—it was a way of life. Chef Donna’s paternal grandmother owned a restaurant, while her maternal grandmother worked as a caterer in California, famously preparing meals for the man who plays Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless and many others, hosting and catering weddings and special events in her amazing multi-million dollar home and gazebo garden in Northridge, California.

This rich heritage of culinary excellence became the foundation of Chef Donna’s own path, one that would be marked by passion, creativity, and service. In 2007, while serving at Abundant Life Christian Center in Antioch, TN, she catered a pastor’s luncheon that would launch her professional catering career. After that event, she was entrusted with heading the church's culinary ministry, as well as becoming the personal private chef to her former pastor, Apostle Mike Whitsey.

From there, Chef Donna took her talents to the next level by founding her own catering business, which quickly gained a reputation for its luxury catered food and high-end event planning. What began in Antioch, TN, expanded across three cities and two states, including St. Louis, Missouri, and Atlanta, Georgia.

Chef Donna’s professional culinary education at Le'Cole Culinaire in Clayton, Missouri equipped her with the technical skills to refine her already natural cooking abilities, allowing her to specialize in luxury event catering and gourmet meal prep. She quickly became a prominent name in the culinary world, serving high-profile clients and events.

Among her notable achievements is her role as guest caterer and pop-up restaurant host at the Church of God in Christ Holy Convocation from 2012-2016. During that time, she had the honor of serving as a guest caterer at The Majestic Hotel in St. Louis, the only black-owned hotel in Missouri.

From 2011 to 2014, Chef Donna held a 3-year territorial letter of agreement with Krispy Crunchy Chicken, becoming the exclusive caterer for their chicken products in both Illinois and Missouri. During this period, her company was the only one allowed to contractually use their chicken, marking another milestone in her career.

In 2016, Chef Donna expanded her entrepreneurial vision by developing a line of innovative desserts under the brand Heaven in a Jar™. These handcrafted, indulgent treats quickly gained a following and solidified her as a leader in the creative food space. This product line marked the beginning of a series of food product developments, which continued with the creation of several other brands. Among them is Best Berries™, her gourmet chocolate-covered strawberry company, and The Yummy Beverage Company™, offering crafted cocktails and mocktails. Additionally, she created The Yummy Gumbo Company™, featuring four distinct types of gumbo, and is in the process of launching her signature crab sauce and seafood boil brand, Crabalicious™.

Chef Donna also founded Seasoned with Love™, her own line of gourmet seasonings, and is currently writing a holiday cookbook to share her culinary wisdom. To top it all off, she is preparing to open her own soul food restaurant, The Gumbo House™, in the Atlanta, Georgia area, which will serve as a hub for her creativity, expertise, and love of family traditions.

Above all, Chef Donna is a dedicated servant of the Lord, using her gifts to serve others with excellence, integrity, and love. Her culinary expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep commitment to her faith continue to shape her work, and she is driven by the desire to bless others with every meal she creates.