Tristen Epps wearing a chef's uniform in front of a kitchen pantry

Tristen Epps

Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Current city of residence: Houston, TX 
Occupation/profession: Chef/Owner at Epps & Flows Culinary 
 
Tristen Epps is a Caribbean-American chef who focuses on neo Afro-Caribbean cuisine in a fine-dining format. Raised in a single parent military family, Tristen discovered his love for cooking at an early age. After graduating from Johnson & Wales’, he honed his craft in Michelin-star restaurants, eventually earning his own Michelin recognition as the executive chef at Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster in Miami and receiving Star Chef’s Rising Star Chef award. Tristen also served as executive chef of Cooks & Captains in Brooklyn, NY and Ocean Social by Tristen Epps for the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami where he earned a James Beard Nomination for Best Chef of the South.Read More

Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Current city of residence: Houston, TX 
Occupation/profession: Chef/Owner at Epps & Flows Culinary 
 
Tristen Epps is a Caribbean-American chef who focuses on neo Afro-Caribbean cuisine in a fine-dining format. Raised in a single parent military family, Tristen discovered his love for cooking at an early age. After graduating from Johnson & Wales’, he honed his craft in Michelin-star restaurants, eventually earning his own Michelin recognition as the executive chef at Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster in Miami and receiving Star Chef’s Rising Star Chef award. Tristen also served as executive chef of Cooks & Captains in Brooklyn, NY and Ocean Social by Tristen Epps for the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami where he earned a James Beard Nomination for Best Chef of the South. Dedicated to bringing recognition to Black foodways and elevating them within fine culture, Tristen aspires to be a trailblazer and role model for the next generation of chefs. His diverse travels—from Guam, to Stockholm, to West Virginia to New York—have shaped his worldview and profoundly influenced his culinary approach. After relocating back to Houston with the goal of opening his own restaurant, Tristen founded Epps & Flows Culinary, a platform for collaborative dinners showcasing his neo Afro-Caribbean cuisine. He is currently laying the groundwork for two exciting concepts Buboy, a woodfired Afro-Caribbean tasting menu, as well as a casual hot dog bar that reimagines the beloved staple with bold flavors and unique toppings.