In this episode of Repertoire, I travel to Redondo Beach, California to sit down with Jason Fullilove—chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and one of the most community-minded forces quietly shaping Los Angeles hospitality.

Jason’s path spans more than two decades and multiple worlds. A Culinary Institute of America alum, he climbed the ranks from high-volume New York kitchens to the Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas, then into some of L.A.’s most respected dining rooms before launching Barbara Jean LA, where he brought African American soul food into a fine-dining conversation with precision and pride. Today, he’s expanding beyond restaurants with Tumi Coco, a clean, all-natural hot sauce built around turmeric, coconut oil, and flavor-first cooking—part pantry staple, part personal philosophy.

But what makes Jason different isn’t just the résumé—it’s the way he shows up for people.

We dive into:

• Growing up between Cleveland and Zambia, and how early memories of scarcity, travel, and communal meals shaped his relationship to food.

• The jump from music and rap to professional kitchens—and how hip-hop still fuels his creative energy.

• Building Barbara Jean from scratch and discovering the power of community, relationships, and reputation.

• Why networking in hospitality isn’t transactional—it’s about showing up, giving back, and playing the long game.

• Creating Tumi Coco as a chef tool: clean ingredients, no preservatives, and food that supports health and performance.

• Martial arts, discipline, and how training the body sharpens the mind in high-pressure kitchens.

• Mentorship, patience, and why young cooks should chase skill over titles.

• His next chapter: a paratha-driven café and listening bar concept, blending Indian flavors, vinyl culture, cocktails, and late-night hospitality.

Jason and I talk about energy, generosity, and what it means to build a career rooted in service—to food, to culture, and to the people around you. It’s a conversation about longevity, intention, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome at the table.

Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

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