Chef
Kristi Brown
James Beard Award winner
- Discipline
- Chef
- Based in
- Seattle, Washington, United States
i. Biography
From dish pit to catering line, Kristi Brown built That Brown Girl Catering in 1996 and kept the work anchored in Seattle soul food. The throughline is clear across the restaurants and projects that followed: food that carries heat, texture, and the room's first scent.
Coming Up
Early work as a dishwasher and prep cook in restaurants across Seattle gave Brown the line discipline that would later support That Brown Girl Catering, which she founded and operated beginning in 1996. That foundation now sits behind her roles as chef and owner of Communion and owner of COMMUNION R&B.
Where They Are Now
Seattle’s Central District is the current ground for Brown’s work at Communion, where she serves as chef and owner. The same city also holds COMMUNION R&B, alongside Communion Restaurant and Bar, That Brown Girl Cooks!, and Lil' Brown Girl. Seattle soul food remains the center of gravity, and Brown has been explicit about what she wants the food to do: hit the nose on entry and keep the plate moving with contrasting textures.
Career - chef and owner — Communion, Seattle (2020–present) - owner — COMMUNION R&B, Seattle - dishwasher and prep cook — restaurants across Seattle - founder and operator — That Brown Girl Catering, Seattle (from 1996)
Signature
Kristi Brown's signature dishes include shrimp toast.
In Their Words “It’s my belief that all of the things—whether good, bad or indifferent—are working towards my good. So, when things don’t seem perfect, it’s okay because I believe the Divine Order of things will work it out in my favor.” “I want to smell the food when I first walk in, and I like a dish to have different textures.”
Honors
Brown’s work has earned a James Beard Award nomination.
FAQ What is Kristi Brown's current role? As of 2026, Kristi Brown is Chef and Owner. Where did Kristi Brown work before? Kristi Brown's earlier career included restaurants across Seattle and That Brown Girl Catering. What recognition has Kristi Brown received? James Beard Award nomination.
