Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Batiste.
Hi Jonathan , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised on the Northside of Lafayette, Louisiana, Chef Jonathan “JBoogie” Batiste’s story is deeply rooted in family, culture, legacy, hospitality, and the rich traditions of Creole cuisine. The heart of Creole culture in the Acadiana region is Lafayette, Louisiana — where life is centered around family, friends, great food, music, celebration, and creating unforgettable memories together. Living in Louisiana, we are known for our hospitality, fresh seafood, and flavorful Southern Creole cuisine that has inspired generations. Food critic Keith Lee, have traveled near and far all over the world but as he prepared to stop in Lafayette, LA. One thing he has stated “Lafayette is has a culture of food and family.” It’s truly a melting pot you have to visit or be from there to understand.
Chef JBoogie Batiste’s culinary journey began at a very young age through curiosity and a passion for food, hospitality, and togetherness. Much of his inspiration came from his father, Chef Emery Batiste, who became the foundation and pillar of his culinary journey. Following his father’s blueprint, Jonathan grew up watching him cook household favorites such as shrimp creole, gumbo, stuffed crabs, crab au gratin, and seafood imperial. Chef Emery Batiste served as an Executive Chef at Poor Boy’s Riverside Inn for many years and also worked internationally before recently retiring. Watching the richness of flavors, passion, and precision behind those dishes sparked Jonathan’s love for cooking and hospitality.
His mother, Charlene L. Batiste, introduced him to the world of baking and desserts. Inspired by her mother, Hilda Malveaux Landry of Grosse Isle, Abbeville, Louisiana, Charlene learned how to make homemade tea cakes, biscuits, cakes, pies, and traditional Southern desserts, later passing those techniques down to Jonathan. Growing up, he was always in the kitchen watching his mother bake while patiently waiting to lick the batter bowl and spoon when she finished.
She would often laugh and say, “Jonathan, get out of my kitchen and go play before you get a stomachache,” but his curiosity and passion for food never stopped.
Chef JBoogie Batiste continued pursuing his passion by attending Louisiana Technical College Lafayette Campus where he majored in Culinary Arts and graduated in 2008. After graduation, he immediately entered the workforce, beginning his culinary career at the Holiday Inn as a line cook before advancing into banquet cooking. While working banquets and large events, he discovered his passion for hospitality management, event planning, catering, and creating experiences for others.
Wanting to become a stronger leader and business owner, he later transitioned into retail management to gain leadership, operational, and team-building experience. Through that journey, he realized he wanted to build something much greater — his own venue and culinary empire focused on catering, baking, event planning, weddings, and elevated hospitality experiences.
While continuing his education online, Jonathan relocated to Dallas, Texas, where he has proudly served the Dallas community for the past nine years through catering, private dining, luxury brunch experiences, baking, and hospitality services. He attended University of Phoenix where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management in 2018 and later completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2020.
The year 2020 became a turning point in his entrepreneurial journey. During the COVID-19 pandemic, after being furloughed from one of his jobs, he decided to fully invest his energy into building his business and pursuing his vision.
In June 2020, he officially launched TALKTAME — Boogie’s Backyard BBQ Sauces & Seasonings — a brand inspired by his father’s signature phrase when answering the phone: “TALKTAME.” The phrase also reflects the silence that happens when food is so good that everyone is focused on eating. Today, TALKTAME products are sold across the United States, allowing him to share his culture, passion, and Louisiana flavors with customers nationwide.
Throughout his 18-year retail management career, Chef JBoogie Batiste has successfully held multiple leadership positions and helped open two retail store locations. His entrepreneurial journey has also led to opportunities such as catering for Nordstrom at NorthPark Center in Dallas, Texas, and winning first place in a baked goods competition hosted by Neiman Marcus.
Chef Batiste has also been featured in publications including Voyage Dallas and Shoutout DFW, PIMPIN POSITIVITY highlighting his entrepreneurial, business aspirations journey, passion for hospitality, and creative vision. In addition, he has served as a successful instructor with Sugar Coin Academy, teaching live demonstrations and tutorials within the baking and dessert community.
Beyond culinary arts, Chef Jonathan Batiste is also an author. He wrote the children’s book JBoogie’s Big Sizzling Quest, available on Amazon, combining creativity, storytelling, and inspiration for younger audiences.
Chef JBoogie Batiste is widely known for his creativity, innovation, and ability to transform ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences. When asked what he loves most about his work, his answer is simple: creativity.
“It’s taking a canvas and developing an image of what you see or taste and creating a space for laughter, good food, music, and unforgettable experiences. It’s the magic and beauty behind it all that makes it worth living for.”
His signature “Boogie Boujee Brunch Experience” has become known for blending elevated Southern cuisine, luxury presentation, music, culture, and hospitality. Whether catering weddings, private dinners, brunch experiences, corporate events, or intimate gatherings, Chef JBoogie Batiste focuses on leaving lasting impressions through food, service, and atmosphere.
Within Villa De Batiste, he also specializes in custom premium cakes and luxury bridal cakes, blending artistic presentation with rich Southern-inspired flavors and elegant design.
Chef JBoogie Batiste also hosts his annual Turkey Roll & Trap Classes where he teaches students from across the country the techniques of deboning, stuffing, seasoning, and preparing turkey rolls while providing all ingredients, tools, and hands-on instruction.
As a Louisiana native and passionate culinary entrepreneur, Chef Jonathan Batiste continues inspiring others through his dedication to hospitality, creativity, leadership, and Southern culinary excellence. In addition to his culinary journey, he currently works full-time in the healthcare industry supporting and serving customers while helping create healthier futures one call at a time. Through his professionalism, leadership, and dedication to service, he has become one of the top-performing agents within his department.
Beyond healthcare and hospitality, Chef Batiste continues expanding his entrepreneurial vision by developing his own culinary cooking academy, working on a future cookbook, and bringing one of his biggest dreams to life — the launch of La Villa CRAVE Kitchen Food Truck in his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana.
Welcome to Villa De Batiste Catering — where culture, creativity, flavor, and hospitality come together.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Entrepreneurship comes with sacrifices, uncertainty, and a lot of pressure behind the scenes that people don’t always see. There were times where I had to wear every hat imaginable — chef, marketer, designer, accountant, customer service representative, event planner, and business manager — all at once.
One of the biggest challenges was learning how to balance passion with business structure. Creativity can take you far, but discipline, consistency, and organization are what sustain a business long term. I’ve faced setbacks, financial pressure, relocation transitions, and moments of self-doubt, but each challenge taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and faith.
Another challenge has been building a brand that stays authentic in a world where people often chase trends. I’ve always wanted my work to reflect who I truly am — my roots, my culture, my family legacy, and my commitment to excellence. Every obstacle helped strengthen my vision and reminded me why I started in the first place.
As you know, we’re big fans of Villa De Batiste, La Villa CRAVE Kitchen (Food Truck), TALKTAME — Boogie’s Backyard BBQ Sauces & Seasonings. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Villa De Batiste Catering, has stood at the forefront of luxury hospitality, dining experiences. The culinary brand founded by Chef Jonathan “JBoogie” Batiste, specializing in elevated catering, private Chef dining experiences, brunches, custom premium cakes, luxury bridal cakes, event hospitality, and Southern-inspired cuisine with a modern upscale touch. Rooted in Louisiana Creole culture and hospitality, the brand was built on the belief that food should create unforgettable experiences and meaningful memories.
For the past nine years, Villa De Batiste Catering has proudly served the Dallas, Texas community, serving plate lunches, cakes, desserts, turkey rolls, BBQ Sauce and spices, through luxury experiences while continuing to expand its vision back home in Lafayette, Louisiana. What began as a passion for cooking and baking has evolved into a growing brand focused on creativity, culture, presentation, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.
Chef Batiste is known for blending bold Southern flavors, elegant presentation, storytelling, music, atmosphere, and hospitality into every experience. Whether it’s an intimate private dinner, wedding, brunch experience, corporate event, custom cake design, or large-scale catering production, the goal is always the same — creating memorable experiences that bring people together.
One thing that truly sets Villa De Batiste Catering apart is authenticity. Every dish, event, product, and experience reflects Chef Batiste’s roots, family traditions, creativity, and passion for service. The brand is not just about food — it’s about culture, legacy, creativity, and creating experiences people will never forget.
In addition to catering and hospitality, Chef Batiste created TALKTAME — Boogie’s Backyard BBQ Sauces & Seasonings — his signature line of BBQ sauces and seasonings inspired by Louisiana flavor and family traditions. Extension to that he have made his signature compound butters “Garlic Herb & Cowboy Butter” Today, TALKTAME products are sold across the United States, allowing customers nationwide to experience a taste of Louisiana culture through food.
Chef Batiste is also expanding his vision through La Villa CRAVE Kitchen, an upcoming food truck concept currently being developed in his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana. The concept focuses on bold flavors, culture, creativity, and elevated street food experiences that “Feed The Soul.” FOLLOW THE CRAVE!
Another area the brand is widely recognized for is custom premium cakes and luxury bridal cakes. Villa De Batiste combines artistic design, Southern baking traditions, and elegant presentation to create cakes that become centerpieces for weddings, celebrations, and luxury events.
One of the things Chef Batiste is most proud of brand-wise is building multiple platforms that allow him to inspire, teach, and connect with people through hospitality and creativity. From hosting annual Turkey Roll & Trap classes, teaching baking demonstrations, writing his children’s book JBoogie’s Big Sizzling Quest, and developing a future culinary cooking academy, his mission continues to grow beyond food alone.
What Chef Batiste wants readers to know most is that Villa De Batiste represents resilience, culture, faith, creativity, family legacy, and passion. Every experience is intentionally designed to leave people with more than just a meal — it’s about creating connection, celebration, and memories that last for generations, never stop believing in yourself.
What I’m most proud of is building something from the ground up through determination, vision, and consistency while continuing to evolve personally and professionally. I’m proud of the impact my work has had on people, the relationships I’ve built, and the ability to inspire others who are trying to turn their own passion into purpose. My ability to merge culinary artistry with entrepreneurship, hospitality, branding, and culture allows me to approach the culinary industry in a unique way.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One piece of advice I always give is to never be afraid to ask questions and build genuine relationships. Networking is not just about exchanging business cards — it’s about creating authentic connections with people who inspire you, challenge you, and help you grow.
Mentorship can come from unexpected places. Some of the best lessons I’ve learned came from observing how people carry themselves, manage business, communicate, and overcome adversity. Stay humble, stay teachable, and be willing to put yourself in rooms where you may feel uncomfortable because growth often happens there.
It’s also important to understand that it’s one thing to mentor others or give advice, but if you don’t apply that same advice to your own life, then what’s the purpose of giving it? Growth requires accountability, discipline, and self-awareness.
You also have to be mindful of the company you keep. Surround yourself with people who genuinely pour into you, support your vision, challenge you to grow, and believe in your passion. The right environment and relationships can elevate you, while the wrong ones can distract you from your purpose.
Consistency and professionalism also matter. People are more willing to support and mentor individuals who are serious about their craft, dependable, and willing to put in the work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.villadebatiste.com
- Instagram: @lavillacravekitchen * @villadebatiste * @chef_jb00giebatiste * @talkta_me
