Chattanooga native Shannon Johnson is returning home once again to participate as the "Chef of Honor" at the UNCF Soul Food Dinner on Jan. 11, at 2 p.m., at the Bessie Smith Hall.
Johnson graduated in 1989 from one of the nation's top culinary schools, Johnson & Wales, located in Providence, R.I. After commencement, Shannon began his career as a working chef at The Narrow Bridge Restaurant in Chattanooga.
At just 21, Johnson achieved the prestigious position of Executive Chef at The Glover restaurant in Guntersville, Ala. Two years later, he earned a position as Executive Chef for the Scottsdale Hilton Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Az.
He then moved on to juggle many roles under the title of Executive Chef at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Ca.
As Executive Chef of Menu Development & Innovation for Applebee's International located in Overland Park, Ks., Johnson is currently one of four Chefs creating menus for 1,548 Applebee's locations worldwide.
For the Soul Food Dinner, Johnson is preparing a menu of fine southern cuisine, including creole chicken, braised beef short ribs, chow-chow, buttered mashed potatoes, green beans, succotash spicy sausage and more.
Johnson is donating his time and talents to help raise money for the United Negro College Fund. The UNCF is an African American education assistance organization. Over the past 59 years, the UNCF has provided financial assistance to more than 65,000 students attending 39 member institutions of higher learning.
Admission to the UNCF Soul Food Dinner is $20. Tickets may be purchased at J.T. McDaniel's Novelty and Sales located at 2001 East Third Street.