Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaticka Robinson.
Hi Shaticka, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Chef Shaticka Robinson – Award-Winning Pitmaster & Culinary Visionary Chef Shaticka Robinson is a celebrated pitmaster, culinary artist, and innovator, renowned for her expertise in barbecue and elevated Southern cuisine. A Nashville native, she began her culinary journey at just seven years old, learning the art of cooking from her mother and mastering the grill alongside her father. Her passion for food has always been about more than just flavor—it’s about creating a warm, welcoming experience that brings people together.
With over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry, Chef Shaticka has worked at esteemed establishments such as Gaylord Hotel, Marriott, and the Hutton Hotel, refining her craft in fine dining before making her mark in barbecue. She later served as Executive Chef at Tennessee State University, transforming the campus dining experience with her signature blend of soulful tradition and elevated technique.
In 2024, Chef Shaticka gained national recognition as the Season 3 Winner of Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown, taking home the $50,000 grand prize and cementing her place as one of the top pitmasters in the country. Her bold, innovative approach to barbecue, coupled with her ability to blend classic Southern flavors with modern sophistication, captivated audiences and judges alike.
Beyond her television success, she is the owner and pitmaster of Coley’s Jook Junt, a beloved Nashville food truck serving up elevated barbecue and soul food with a modern twist. She also founded Bougie BBQ, a brand dedicated to redefining traditional barbecue by incorporating refined flavors, elevated plating, and a sophisticated lifestyle approach. Through Bougie BBQ, Chef Shaticka proves that barbecue can be both bold and bougie, balancing deep, smoky flavors with upscale presentation.
In September 2024, she co-hosted the closing meal of the Soho Food Festival in Nashville alongside Soho House Nashville’s Executive Chef Michael Ground, further solidifying her influence in the culinary world. Her work has been featured in The Tennessean, Nashville Tribune, Nashville Business Journal, Channel 5’s Talk of the Town, Local on 2, and more.
Chef Shaticka’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and pushing boundaries. She is not only a master of smoke and fire but a trailblazer in redefining Southern cuisine for a new generation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road was not easy—not by a long shot. Behind every success, there’s a story full of struggle, and mine is no different. I’ve been through some of the toughest seasons life could throw at me. I went through a divorce, became a single mother of four, and at one point, I even experienced homelessness. Trying to build a career in a demanding industry while keeping a roof over our heads and food on the table wasn’t just difficult—it was overwhelming.
There were moments I wanted to give up, but I knew my kids were watching. I knew my purpose was bigger than my pain. Cooking became my refuge, my healing space, my way forward. And I kept showing up.
Eventually, I remarried, found stability, and began to walk fully in my purpose. But those struggles shaped me. They taught me how to lead with compassion, how to stand firm in the fire—literally and figuratively—and how to keep creating, even when life felt like it was falling apart.
So no, the road wasn’t smooth. But it was mine. And every bump, every bruise, every breakthrough has made me the chef, the woman, and the leader I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Please tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know? What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for? What sets you apart from others? What are you most proud brand-wise? What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
Coley’s Jook Junt is more than just a food truck—it’s a full-blown flavor experience rooted in family, music, and soul. The name “Coley” comes from my maiden name, so this business is deeply personal. It honors my roots and the legacy that shaped me. At Coley’s, we specialize in Southern comfort food with a sophisticated twist—think smoked oxtails, Bougie mac and cheese, Elevated AF ribs, and burnt end sliders that made waves on Netflix.
But we don’t stop at food—we feed the spirit too. Our tagline says it best: “Where food and music feed the soul.” Whether we’re parked on the streets of Nashville, catering a private event, or bringing the fire to a major festival, Coley’s is about more than a meal—it’s a vibe.
We’re also home to Bougie Barbecue, a brand of its own that redefines what it means to be a pitmaster. Bougie Barbecue is about showing up bold, confident, and unapologetically you. It’s for the woman who rocks heels and hits the smoker. It’s for the ones who love their barbecue with flavor and flair. The brand lives by its own anthem: “I am bougie about my barbecue.”
What sets us apart is the way we blend legacy with luxury, grit with grace. We don’t just cook—we create culinary moments that represent who we are as Black Southern creatives, storytellers, and leaders in food. I’m especially proud of how the brand speaks to people—how it empowers women, honors our culture, and brings folks together around a plate that feels like home but tastes like something brand new.
In addition to our food truck and catering services, we’re expanding into product lines like Coley’s Elevated AF Rib Rub and building toward a brick-and-mortar location
At the core of everything I do is love—for food, for people, for community. That’s what Coley’s Jook Junt and Bougie Barbecue are all about: good food, good music, and leaving folks a little fuller than they were when they came
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Oh absolutely—I’m standing on the shoulders of so many people who believed in me, pushed me, loved me, and even doubted me. My journey has been full of incredible supporters, and I carry their energy with me every single day.
First and foremost, my children—Destiny, Mekhia, Iyana, and Master II—have been my biggest cheerleaders. They’ve seen the highs and the lows, the long nights, and the early mornings. Their love and belief in me kept me going when I wanted to give up. My husband, Duane, has been my rock. His unwavering support, encouragement, and faith in my vision have meant everything to me.
I have to shout out my bestest best friend, Latisha—she’s been in my corner from day one. Her support, prayers, and energy have been constant, and she’s the kind of friend that will hype you up in a room full of strangers and remind you who you are when you forget. She has celebrated every win like it was her own.
And then there’s my sister, April—my built-in bestie and forever supporter. She has always had my back, always showed up for me, and proudly tells everyone that I’m her favorite chef. That kind of love and belief, especially from someone who knows all your chapters, is priceless.
I also have some of the most loyal clients in the world—folks who’ve been with me since I was cooking out of small pop-ups and taking catering orders through word of mouth. Their trust and support helped grow Coley’s Jook Junt into what it is today.
One of the earliest people to spark my culinary passion was Mrs. McKinnley, my high school Food Management teacher. I would’ve stayed in her classroom all day if she let me. She saw something in me early on and helped me realize that food wasn’t just a passion—it could be a purpose.
And I can’t forget my community. Nashville has shown me so much love, and it’s an honor to represent the city that raised me every time I step up to the pit.
Lastly, I’ve got to thank the ones who doubted me—because they lit a different kind of fire in me. Every “no,” every side-eye, every underestimation pushed me to go harder, shine brighter, and show up fully in my purpose.
So no, I didn’t get here alone. This journey has been powered by love, loyalty, and a whole lot of grace—and I’m forever grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.coleysjj.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefshaticka https://www.instagram.com/coleys_jj
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coleysjookjunt
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChefShaticka
