Red, White & BBQ

Shaticka Robinson – Chef, Pitmaster, and Food Visionary

Shaticka Robinson’s culinary journey began at the age of 7, cooking alongside her mother, where she discovered the joy and magic of creating food for loved ones. Soon after, she learned the art of barbecue from her father, mastering the patience of low-and-slow cooking and the subtle power of smoke. These early lessons instilled in her a lifelong passion for food, family, and the beauty of gathering around the table.

Her love for the kitchen became her “happy place”, a space where food was more than a meal—it was a story. After quitting culinary school, Shaticka pursued fine dining, earning her stripes in the kitchens of renowned establishments like Gaylord Opryland and other high-end hotels. She worked tirelessly to perfect her craft, but her vision went far beyond the line cook’s station. “I always had dreams of being an executive chef, not just working in the background,” she reflects.

Through resilience, skill, and a deep commitment to leadership, Shaticka rose through the culinary ranks, becoming Sous Chef and then Executive Chef at Tennessee State University. In her role, she demonstrated not only creativity and excellence but also the ability to lead a team with purpose, mentoring others while elevating Southern and barbecue-inspired dishes.

Her breakthrough moment came as the Season 3 Winner of Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown, where she proved her mastery of both smoke and flame on a national stage. Combining her culinary expertise with her personal flair, Shaticka earned recognition for her ability to blend traditional barbecue and Southern food with an elevated, sophisticated twist.

As the visionary behind Coley’s Jook Junt, her popular Nashville-area food truck, Shaticka serves soulful comfort food with a refined edge. Whether it’s tender smoked oxtails, Elevated AF ribs, or Bougie mac and cheese, her dishes honor her roots while offering something new and inspiring. For Shaticka, food is always about family, love, and bringing people together—it’s the heartbeat of everything she creates.

United Way of South Central Tennessee is thrilled to welcome Chef Shaticka Robinson as our chef for 2025's Red, White & BBQ!