Food, Music, and Culture Take Center Stage at Chef JJ Johnson's The Cookout
An exclusive NYC celebration of culture, hosted by Chef JJ Johnson and Angela Yee powered by Sodexo and benefiting Rethink Food
NEW YORK, NY – September 4, 2025 – James Beard Award–winning Chef JJ Johnson is proud to announce the return of his signature event, The Cookout, co-hosted by cultural tastemaker Angela Yee. Taking place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the historic St. Bart's on 51st Street & Park Avenue, this year's Cookout powered by Sodexo, a global foodservice provider, and chef-led nonprofit partner, Rethink Food.
Once again, The Cookout brings together food, music, and community in an unforgettable celebration of Afro-Caribbean and African American culture while reinforcing the event's mission of giving back with 10% of all ticket sales will be donated to feeding New Yorkers across all five boroughs, ensuring that The Cookout extends its impact far beyond the table.
"The Cookout has always been about more than food—it's about celebrating the culture, the people, and the community that make our tables so rich with flavor. In a city as diverse as New York, why wouldn't an event that honors that diversity through food, wine, and music be at the forefront?" said Chef JJ Johnson. "Over the years, we've seen The Cookout grow into a movement—bringing together chefs, DJs, and guests who understand that representation in the culinary industry matters. Partnering with Rethink Food allows us to go even deeper, tackling issues like food insecurity, lack of access, and the challenges in our communities right now. This event isn't just a party—it's a purpose-driven celebration that reflects both the beauty of our culture and the responsibility we have to nourish and uplift our communities."
Guests will enjoy signature dishes from some exciting chefs, desserts from local favorites, and live DJ sets curated by a world-class music stage production. Chef JJ's preview dishes from his upcoming restaurant will give attendees an exclusive taste of what's to come.
With only 350 tickets available, The Cookout offers an exclusive chance to savor the flavors and sounds that define the cultural spirit of New York.
Featured 2025 Chefs + Culinary Partners:
Chef Preston Clark – Lure (NYC)
Osei "Picky" Blackett – Ariapita (NYC)
Ben "Moody" Harney – The Real Mother Shucker (NYC)
INDIA DORIS – Markette (NYC)
Sugar Hill Creamery (NYC)
Chef JJ Johnson – FIELDTRIP (NYC)
and more to come…
Music Stage Produced by Jill Newman Productions, Featuring DJs:
DJ Moochie
DJ Jahi Sundance
MUNDO Soundsystems
and more to be announced…
A highlight of the afternoon will be a kitchen jam session, brought to you by CLEO TV, where Chef JJ and the crowd join together for an interactive, playful mix of food and music.
TICKETS
Before I Let Go – General Admission | $150
Full-day access to all food & drink stations
Unlimited trips for food & beverages
Open seating throughout the event
Head of Table – VIP | $200
Includes everything in General Admission plus:
Early entry & skip-the-line access
Priority service at chef stations
Reserved VIP seating areas
Complimentary keepsake cup
🎟 Tickets available now at www.chefjj.co/the-cookout
EVENT DETAILS
What: Chef JJ Presents: The Cookout (Hosted by JJ Johnson & Angela Yee)When: Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 3:00 - 7:00 PMWhere: St. Bart's – 51st Street & Park Avenue, New York CityTickets: VIP $200 | GA $150 | www.chefjj.co/the-cookout
"Sodexo initiated the partnership with Chef JJ last year as part of its commitment to supporting emerging tastemakers and chefs telling intentional on-trend food stories through experiences, content, and connection." Said Ryan Spong, SVP Corporate Services. "Creating food experiences like The Cookout not only demonstrates an incredible array of flavorful cultural representation but also allows us to involve our partner Rethink Foods to go even deeper, tackling issues like food insecurity, lack of access, and the challenges in our communities through our existing program at St Barts."
To learn more about Sodexo, visit us.sodexo.com.
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About Sodexo North America
Sodexo North America is a division of Sodexo Group, a global Fortune 500 company operating in 45 countries and a leading provider of sustainable food and integrated facilities management in all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Guam, at every moment in life: learn, work, heal and play. Across the U.S., the company employs over 100,000 people and indirectly supports tens of thousands of additional jobs by annually purchasing goods and services from a wide range of small to large businesses. Sodexo North America is committed to meeting the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and to contribute to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.
About Rethink Food
Rethink Food is a chef-led nonprofit on a mission to build a more equitable and sustainable food system. We connect restaurants, community-based organizations, and food donors to deliver meals where they're needed most. Together, we're rethinking how food can support communities and drive lasting change. To learn more, visit rethinkfood.org and follow @rethinkfood on Instagram, X, and Linkedin
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