James Beard Award winner
Cleophus Hethington
- Discipline
- James Beard Award winner
- Based in
- Miami, Florida, United States
i. Biography
Formation, not arrival, shapes Cleophus Hethington’s path. The American chef has since carried that lineage through African diaspora foodways, keeping Senegalese-inspired lamb dibi at the center.
The Climb
Cleophus Hethington trained at Kneads Bakeshop. Cleophus went on to work as Head Chef at Benne on Eagle in Asheville, North Carolina (2021–2022) and Head Chef at Zak the Baker in Miami, Florida. Today, Cleophus is Head Chef of Counter (since 2024).
Today
He has said, "The dinner will focus on the African diaspora, which is what people know me for." Senegalese-inspired lamb dibi turns that focus into a signature dish, and it gives his cooking a direct line back to the foodways he names.
Career - Head Chef — Counter, Charlotte, North Carolina (2024–present) - Head Chef — Benne on Eagle, Asheville, North Carolina (2021–2022) - Head Chef — Zak the Baker, Miami, Florida Education: Kneads Bakeshop
Signature
Cleophus's signature dishes include Haitian griot, Ghanaian red red, pepperpot stew, Grandma Daisy Mae sweet potato pie, and lamb dibi.
In Their Words “The dinner will focus on the African diaspora, which is what people know me for.”
Recognition
Cleophus's honors include James Beard Foundation Emerging Chef finalist (2022).
FAQ What is Cleophus Hethington's current role? As of 2026, Cleophus Hethington is Head Chef of Counter. Where did Cleophus Hethington train or study? Cleophus Hethington trained at Kneads Bakeshop. What recognition has Cleophus Hethington received? James Beard Foundation Emerging Chef finalist (2022).
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