Meet Dionne Butler Van Purnell | Private Chef & Cookbook Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dionne Butler Van Purnell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dionne, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One thing about my industry that outsiders may be unaware or is the amount of time put into preparation for our clients. As a private chef, many may think it’s just simply cooking. It takes creative thought, Menu planning, prepping, costing out, gathering supplies, shopping, and the stress of making sure you do thinks “perfectly”.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am currently a franchise owner of one of the second largest sushi brands in North America, Bento Sushi. Being the first African American woman to be in this position, I’m excited to say it’s been very rewarding because it’s located on a historically Black University Campus. It sets me apart from others because I put in the training to become a certified sushi Chef. while there are less than 7% African American Sushi Chefs and less than that are women. I’m proud to be apart of a small percentage. Not only do I run a sushi restaurant, but I am still providing my regular clients with services by means of my first love, being a private and travel chef. While these business ventures may sound exciting, it was not an easy journey to get to where I am today. I am continuing to work hard to grow. I have faced many challenges in the beginning while managing restaurants and not given the same opportunities as my Caucasian counterparts. Many times I was looked down on. I over came these challenges by being forgiving and making myself seen. I realized I had to set myself apart by doing something different. That’s when I left the restaurant business and became a traveling private chef. If there is one thing I learned, it is to never give up on yourself and become complacent with making someone else’s dream happen. I truly rely on God for my decisions and He had not steered me wrong!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Baton Rouge may not look to others to be the most fun spot to visit? But there will are many little adventures and fun spots to be. The food in May places is amazingly good. I would definitely take my friend to Tsunami for great cocktails while overlooking the river and watching the sunset. Because I’m pretty active and outdoorsy, nice morning bike ride around the LSU lakes would be the prerequisite to a filing Brunch with lots of Mimosas at the Ruby Slipper Cafe. Then it’s hangout time at the Main Lobby downtown on the roof top.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate my Shout out to my wonderful family and close friends.

Website: donebydesires.com

Instagram: @desirescatering

Linkedin: Dionne Van Purnell

Facebook: Desires Food & Spirits