Meet The Chef

Michele McQueen

Known for her ability to make soul food taste like your Southern Grandmother made it, Michele McQueen will now share these time-honored traditions along with some new cultural fusions here at Town Fare inside the Oakland Museum.

Famous for her amazing Southern fried chicken and sweet potato waffles with homemade syrup in San Francisco at Gussie’s Chicken and Waffles, Michele gained the love of locals and celebrities alike. Her food is loved by everyone from Stephen and Ayesha Curry to Mayor London Breed. She was a featured guest on Grill It with Bobby Flay and a contestant on Guy’s Grocery Games both on Food Network. She had the pleasure of competing on The Taste with Anthony Bourdain, Marcus Samuelsson, Nigella Lawson and Ludo Lefebvre. She has shared her expertise on many live stages across the Bay Area and is truly committed to the community.

Michele is a product of Oakland, CA and after graduating from Howard University School of Business returned home to pursue her dreams in the hospitality industry. She has owned and operated over five restaurants in Oakland. While managing these ventures, Michele has worked alongside many non-profit organizations such as Eat Learn Play, World Central Kitchen and Allen Temple Church to help address food insecurities in Oakland.

Michele continues to expand her culinary journey and welcomes you to come along for the ride.