BJ Dennis

Benjamin "BJ" Dennis IV is an American chef known for his focus on Gullah Geechee cuisine.

Benjamin "BJ" Dennis IV
Born
West Ashley, South Carolina, US
OccupationChef

Early life and education

Born and raised in West Ashley, South Carolina, Dennis became interested in a culinary career after attending a job fair in high school. Following graduation, he went to the College of Charleston for a year, then transferred to Trident Technical College.[1]

Career

While attending Trident, Dennis began working as a dishwasher at Hyman’s Seafood in Charleston; the experience convinced him to change his major to culinary arts. Over the next several years, he worked at a variety of different restaurants in Charleston, Savannah, St. Thomas, and West Africa.[1][2] Upon returning to the United States, he began hosting Gullah-Geechee pop-ups.[1][3]

In 2021, Dennis moved to Bluffton to serve as the culinary director at Lowcountry Fresh Market and Cafe,[4] then returned to Charleston to lead the food program at the International African American Museum.[5]

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Dennis reviewed the manuscript of Emily Meggett's book on Gullah cuisine, at the request of Meggett's son. Soon after, a literary agent asked Dennis if he would be interested in writing a book; he said that the first book on Gullah cuisine should be Meggett's.[6] That book, Gullah Geechee Home Cooking, was published by Abrams Books in 2022.[7] In 2022, Dennis and Nicole A. Taylor were collaborating on a book to be released through Penguin Random House.[1]

Dennis has also participated in the Charleston Wine + Food Festival.[8]

Filmography

References
  1. "Chef Benjamin Dennis continues his journey in understanding, preserving, and uplifting Gullah culture through food". Charleston Magazine. January 13, 2022. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
  2. Palate, Local (September 21, 2022). "BJ Dennis: The Gullah Griot". The Local Palate. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  3. Cadigan, Hilary (August 14, 2019). "People Say Gullah Geechee Culture Is Disappearing. BJ Dennis Says They're Wrong". Bon Appétit. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  4. Perkins, Erin (August 13, 2021). "Gullah Geechee Chef BJ Dennis Returns to Charleston". Eater Carolinas. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  5. Pardue, Doug (August 11, 2021). "Chef BJ Dennis creating menu for International African American Museum's cafe". Post and Courier. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  6. Morales, Christina (April 26, 2023). "Emily Meggett, Matriarch of Gullah Geechee Cuisine, Is Dead at 90". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  7. Meggett, Emily. Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes from the Matriarch of Edisto Island. ISBN 978-1-4197-5878-2.
  8. "BJ Dennis". Charleston Wine + Food. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
  9. "B.J. Dennis". IMDb. Retrieved October 1, 2023.
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