Striding with assurance, adorned with lengthy locs and a beaming smile, Cori Jackson might initially be perceived as the quintessential NBA enthusiast—sporting a complete Portland Trailblazer’s jogging suit. However, here’s a revelation: he is, indeed, an accomplished chef. And not just any chef, but the Chef de Cuisine for the Trailblazers, marking his second stint with an NBA team on his impressive culinary resume.
The culinary world is evolving not only in approach but also in appearance, and Chef Cori “CJ” Jackson stands as a symbol of innovation, representation, and the endless possibilities of Black cuisine. As the Chef de Cuisine for the Trailblazers, his journey from the heart of Detroit’s kitchens to the NBA court exemplifies the dynamic landscape of contemporary black chefs. Beyond the world of slam dunks and layups, Jackson contributes to the nourishment that powers our beloved athletes, emphasizing the importance of not only nutrition but also culturally significant food.
Jackson’s culinary journey began in the vibrant kitchens of Detroit, where he quickly rose to notoriety for his innovative approach to food. Blending traditional Detroit flavors with international influences while keeping true to the southern roots of Black cuisine. His culinary creations became synonymous with quality, attracting patrons from all walks of life.
In his Michigan tenure, Jackson amassed an impressive resume featuring consultancy roles and serving as Executive Chef at renowned establishments such as Iconic Collection, Sovengard, and Otus Supply. Later, Jackson made the move to Atlanta, where he collaborated with industry trailblazer Angelique Ribeiro and secured the position of head chef at Kandi Burrus’s popular restaurant, Old Lady Gang.
Jackson’s wealth of experience paved the way for him to pursue his personal passions, culminating in the establishment of Cornerboy Café. This endeavor involved not only pop-up catering events but also consultancy work with various restaurants. The venture proved instrumental in elevating his talents and expanding his network to new heights. A distinctive aspect of this initiative was its commitment to providing opportunities for individuals with nonviolent drug-related convictions, with Jackson understanding firsthand the challenges such convictions can pose in one’s life.
Jackson’s surprising transition from the kitchen to the NBA court was met with curiosity and excitement, but honestly, this was indeed a natural progression. Having had luck in Detroit and Atlanta through multiple culinary ventures it was time to take things a step further. In 2022, Jackson assumed the role of Team Performance Chef for the Memphis Grizzlies. Drawing from his background as a former educator (biological nutrition science) and athlete, Jackson uniquely grasped the nutritional requirements of high-performance athletes. Simultaneously, he maintained the integrity of his dishes, fulfilling the holistic needs of his active clientele.
“The entertainment factor of pro sports kind of allows you to forget how much these guys are putting their bodies on the line,” said Jackson. “Most people have no idea what it takes to actually be a high-performance athlete and sustain that level of performance long enough to call it a career. Physicality and time are probably the two biggest demands for these athletes.”
Now part of the Portland Trailblazers, joining Detroit Pistons legend turned coach Chauncey Billups, Jackson assumes the role of Chef de Cuisine, overseeing the operations of the new culinary nutrition initiative. In this capacity, Jackson and his team go beyond the traditional duties of cooking for the players. They meticulously manage players’ portions, nutritional content, and taste to align with the mission of the organization, all while delivering delectable and high-quality meals.
“What excites me most is getting back into the informational and educational space. Really helping these guys establish healthy relationships with all kinds of food, giving them information and knowledge, and even skills they can use when they’re done playing ball.”
As reported by ESPN, the 2022-23 NBA season saw 82.5% of players identifying as people of color. Despite this diversity, there are fewer than 10 Chef de Cuisine positions, with even fewer occupied by individuals of color. This underrepresentation underscores the importance of ensuring that players receive meals that not only cater to their nutritional requirements but also resonate with their cultural and personal preferences. Empowered by this newfound understanding, Jackson is taking matters into his own hands and has cooked up the perfect solution.
The work that he is most proud of is his newest baby, blvcbk – Personal Performance Chefs, providing personal chef services for high-performance athletes. This service offers personalized chef services tailored for high-performance athletes. Jackson conceived this concept to establish a more direct connection with the players. Shifting away from the broader perspectives required in team environments, this service enables a more targeted approach to crafting cuisine.
“More than 30% of these athletes have private or personal chefs or some outside food regiment,” said Jackson. “Being a personal chef at this level allows me to provide at least 70% of their daily intake and that’s an extreme direct impact. This outfit allows me to expand my reach. blvcbk is very much full-service nutrition. Everything about it is super intentional. It’s hyper-focused on micronutrition, dietetics, body composition, and nutrient-dense foods. But it is also very fly and delicious.”
The work that Jackson is doing is also a significant step forward for Black cuisine and the continuation of seeing dishes that align culturally expanding in the culinary space. Historically stigmatized as unhealthy and low-class, this culinary tradition has evolved, starting with contemporary restaurants embracing concepts deeply rooted in the origins of soul food. The term “black cuisine” goes beyond just food—it embodies a celebration of heritage, a reclaiming of identity, and a testament to the resilience of a community. Black American cuisine, born out of the descendants of chattel slavery, represents a unique cultural tapestry.
Chef Jackson’s journey from the kitchen to the court serves as a compelling testament to the dynamic evolution of black cuisine and the profound influence of black chefs on the culinary world. As he navigates the intricate realms of culinary nutrition for the Trailblazers, Jackson brings a unique blend of cultural insight, culinary expertise, and a passion for fostering a direct connection with high-performance athletes. His innovative approach with blvcbk reflects not only the changing landscape of the culinary industry but also the increasing recognition of the importance of personalized, culturally resonant culinary experiences. Chef Jackson stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, embodying the resilience, creativity, and excellence that define the impact of black chefs on the ever-expanding narrative of the culinary world.
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