Middleburg, Virginia | AUGUST 17-20, 2023

The Family Reunion, the immersive experience celebrating diversity in the hospitality community, returns for a third year from August 17-20 at Salamander Middleburg in Middleburg, VA.

The event’s enriching programming is highlighted by some of the industry’s top talent including Carla Hall, Rodney Scott, Bryan Furman, Gregory Gourdet, Mashama Bailey and Tavel Bristol-Joseph and several surprise guests.

Presented by Chef and Author Kwame Onwuachi in collaboration with Dotdash Meredith’s FOOD & WINE and Sheila Johnson’s Salamander Collection, the multi-day event crosses culinary boundaries and combines thought-provoking panel discussions, topical cooking demonstrations, inspiring recreational activities and daily “family” meals where attendees and celebrity participants can interact. The annual event was lauded by guests and talent for its energetic and unique approach.

The mission of The Family Reunion is to nurture, develop and celebrate racial and ethnic diversity within the next generation of hospitality professionals.

Roasted Eggplant with Liberian Pepper Sauce
Cucumber Avocado Salad, Gooseberry Piri Piri
Uni Escovitch
Warm Greens with Toasted Coconut
Jerk Chicken with Rice and Peas and Braised Cabbage
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About/Our Mission

For 2024 Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact [email protected]

Sheila and Kwame

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@salamanderresort
| @salamanderhotels


Photo: Storm Santos

Kwame Onwuachi

Kwame Onwuachi is a James Beard Award-winning chef, and author of the critically acclaimed memoir “Notes from a Young Black Chef,” which is being turned into a feature film by A24. Kwame's resume is incomparable: he has been named one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs, Esquire Magazine's 2019 Chef of the Year, and is a 30 Under 30 honoree by both Zagat and Forbes. He's also been featured on Time's 100 Next List and has been named the most important Chef in America by the San Francisco Chronicle.

“The Family Reunion was created to celebrate the Black and Brown contributions to the food industry. Join us as we kick off year three of festivities with bigger and better programming.”

Kwame Onwuachi
Kwame plating
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2023 Featured Talent

Adrienne Cheatham

Chef & Author

Alexander Smalls

James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur and The Family Reunion’s 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Andre Fowles

Chef, 3X Food Network
"Chopped" Champion
Miss Lily's

Brian Jupiter

Chef and Owner of Frontier, Ina Mae Tavern, Jup's Soup, and Jup's Chicken Coop

Bryan Ford

Baker & Cookbook Author

Bryan Furman

Pitmaster-Chef-Owner, Bryan Furman BBQ

Carla Hall

Chef, Restaurateur, Author

Damarr Brown

Chef de Cuisine Virtue Restaurant & Bar and Top This Mac N' Cheese

David & Tonya Thomas

Co-Executive Chefs, H3irloom Food Group
Douglass Williams Read more
Photo: Emily Khan

Douglass Williams

Chef/Owner, MIDA South End, MIDA Newton, APIZZA Boston

Dr. Jessica B. Harris

Food Historian, Award-Winning Author, Journalist

Erick Williams

Chef & Owner of Virtue Restaurant, Mustard Seed Kitchen, Daisy's Po-Boy & Tavern, and Top This Mac N' Cheese, United Studio Ellen Culinary Partner

Gregory Gourdet

Chef and Founder - Kann and Sousòl | Author, Everyone's Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health | 2022 James Beard Award Winner and 2023 James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best New Restaurant

Jamila Robinson

Food Media Leader and Food Editor, Philadelphia Inquirer

Jonathan "Jonny" Rhodes

James Beard Award Nominated Chef, Executive Chef and Owner, Indigo

JR Robinson

Chef & Owner, Kitchencray

Julia Coney

Wine Consultant for American Airlines, Wine and Travel Journalist, Wine Educator and Consultant at Julia Coney Enterprises, Founder, Black Wine Professionals

Justin Sutherland

Chef
Kwame Onwuachi Read more
Photo: Storm Santos

Kwame Onwuachi

James Beard Award-Winning Chef, and Author

Lamar Moore

Chef/Owner of River North Entertainment and Bar

Martel Stone

Chef Founder of "The Black Supper Collective"
Mashama Bailey Read more
Photo: Nydia Blas

Mashama Bailey

Co-Founder & Exec Chef, Grey Spaces

Mawa McQueen

Chef and Owner McQueen Hospitality, Mawa's Kitchen, Mawita, The Crepe Shack, Mawa's GrainFreeNola

Maya-Camille Broussard

Chef and Owner, Justice of the Pies

Melba Wilson

Chef, Restaurateur & Author

Nadine Brown

Sommelier, Founder of At Your Service

Nina Oduro

Co-founder, Dine Diaspora and Black Women in Food Initiative

Nyesha Joyce Arrington

Chef and TV Personality, Next Level Chef

Osei "Chef Picky" Blackett

Owner of Everything Oxtail, Picky Eaters Restaurant, Ariapita Restaurant and Chef Picky Events and Catering

Pete Smith

Executive Chef, L'Auberge Provencale

Peter Prime

Executive Chef and Partner at Bammy's

Preston Clark

Executive Chef and Culinary Director of Lure Fishbar

Rashida Holmes

Chef-Founder of Bridgetown Roti

Robin McBride

Cofounder & President, McBride Sisters Wine Company

Rodney Scott

James Beard Award-Winning Chef and Pitmaster, Founder & Owner, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ

Serigne Mbaye

Chef

Shorne Benjamin

Culinary Artist, Owner of Fat Fowl NYC

Tahiirah Habibi

Global Award Winning Sommelier, James Beard Board Member, Founder of The Hue Society

Tavel Bristol-Joseph

Pastry Chef and Partner at Emmer & Rye, Hestia, Kalimotxo, Henbit, TLV and Canje, United Studio Ellen Culinary Partner

Tiffany Derry

Chef, Roots Chicken Shak, Roots Southern Table, Celebrity Chef, and Entrepreneur

Tiana Gee

Chef, SoulPhil

Toni Tipton-Martin

Editor in Chief, Cook's Country

Vallery Lomas

Baker, Author and Winner of Great American Baking Show

Virginia Ali

Chef and Founder, Ben's Chili Bowl

Our 2023 Partners

Insipire Logo
Vineyards at Boxwood Estate Winery
MCE
McBride Sisters Collection with peacock and lions branding
No Kid Hungry
Coca Cola
Amazon
Brown-Forman
Wells_Fargo_Bag_BCC_Compilation
lexus
AMA Waterways ferry on a river in the evening
Zigma World LED Video Wall Tech
New Belgium Brewing Logo

The Family Reunion enjoys sponsorship support from FOOD & WINE, Wells Fargo, Brown-Forman, United Airlines, Virginia Tourism Corporation, Amazon, Coca-Cola, Inspire, Lexus, McBride Sisters Collection, AmaWaterways, McEnearney Associates Realtors, New Belgium Brewing, Visit Loudoun, and Zigma World, who all help us support Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign. 

Our Supporters

Keany Produce and Gourmet
Ecolab
Ecolab
Tilt

2023 Event Schedule


Day 1 Thu

August 17, 2023

5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Middleburg Terrace

Welcome Reception: The Cook Out

Presented by United Airlines & Virginia Tourism Corporation

Join us as we kick off the weekend Family Reunion Style. There's nothing like a BBQ especially a Family BBQ featuring the best pitmasters and legendary half smokes you can find.

Featuring Chefs Bryan Furman, Rodney Scott, Virginia Ali, and Ben's Chili Bowl.

9:00 pm - 12:00 am

Afterglows

Presented by Brown-Forman and McBride Sisters Collection

Join us inside to keep the party going with live music and late night libations.

Pizza & Bubbles

Harrimans Grill

McBride Sisters Wine Down

The Library

Craft cocktails by Brown-Forman

The Distillery at Gold Cup

10:00 pm - 12:00 am

All White R&B Night

*ONLY Available to All-Access Pass Holders

Interactive R&B Live Karaoke Experience with a Surprise Guest.
Attire - All white

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Day 2 Fri

August 18, 2023

7:00 am - 10:00 am
Gold Cup

Continental Breakfast

Featuring Mawa McQueen making her famous crêpes.


PANEL DISCUSSIONS

10:00 am - 1:30 pm
Middleburg Ballroom
*ONLY Available to All-Access Pass Holders

10:00 am - 11:00 am
Middleburg Ballroom

Wine & Culture

Explore the traditional relationship between wine, food, and culture, as well as the new world of wine that's inclusive of Black and Brown wine producers from around the globe.

Moderated by Toni Tipton-Martin with panelists Robin McBride, Julia Coney, Nadine Brown and Tahiirah Habibi.

11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Middleburg Ballroom

Building Wealth and Maintaining Your Identity

Join Michelle Miller of CBS as she leads a conversation between our host, Sheila Johnson, and Wells Fargo's Senior Executive Vice President Kristy Fercho, three powerful Black women who have shattered the glass ceiling to achieve their goals.

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Middleburg Ballroom

Weed…Wasn't So Bad Mom, Was It?

Flipping the profits for the prison industrial complex into a revenue stream through cooking with weed and the new weed technology.

Moderated by Nina Oduro with panelists Jonny Rhodes, JR Robinson, and Justin Sutherland.

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Middleburg Terrace Tent

Family-Style Lunch

Presented by Coca-Cola

Enjoy a family style lunch under the tent by some of the hardest restaurant reservations to snag.

Featuring Chefs Erick Williams, Lamar Moore, Mashama Bailey, Nyesha Arrington and Vallery Lomas.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
*ONLY Available to All-Access Pass Holders. Pre-registration is required.

Equestrian Lawn

BBQ 101: Rodney Scott & Bryan Furman

Have you ever wanted to learn about how to make BBQ from the pros? We have the best in the game to walk you through it and feed your soul.

Harrimans Fire Pit

Jerk: The Dish that Freed a Nation: Andre Fowles, Osei “Chef Picky” Blackett, Peter Prime, Tavel Bristol-Joseph

Jerk is a dish of freedom and resilience. Join us in a masterclass on traditional jerk and how that dish came to be.

The Equestrian Center

Chopped

Compete on Chopped! Four teams of up to four will work together to turn mystery ingredients into an incredible dish. Register for yourself and at least one other All Access passholder friend to test your culinary skills together. Work as a team to mix, chop and cook up a special dish for Chefs Carla Hall, Melba Wilson and Tiffany Derry to judge.

Culinary Garden Tent

The Rise of Soul Food and Fine Dining

Join us for a conversation with Alexander Smalls led by culinary journalist Toni Tipton-Martin

Library

Best Practices for Staying Safe and Secure While Building Your Online Presence

Join us for an in-depth conversation with members from Amazon Security on how to keep your staff and customers safe from online fraud while also protecting their privacy and personal information.

Middleburg Ballroom 1

The Flavors of Brown-Forman American Whiskeys Heritage

Join Master Distillers, Byron Copeland, and Tyler Mirt for a tasting of Jack Daniel's and Woodford Reserve.

Middleburg Ballroom 2

Cooking up a Legacy: Bevies, Bites and Business

Join Wells Fargo for a premier tasting event with Chef Mawa McQueen, that blends fine food, fresh drinks, and financial insights with an open conversation on elevating Black wealth. Whether you are investing in your business, buying a home, or protecting your growing legacy, Wells Fargo can help.

Middleburg Ballroom 3

A Sense of place: Get to Know Your Wine Roots

In the wine world, the term, “a sense of place” refers to the unique profiles, tastes and qualities that a wine acquired from the geographical location in which the grapes are grown. We invite you to come and explore the ROOTS of what's in your glass, a journey that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of wine.

The Grand Lawn

Family Field Day: Kwame Onwuachi, Maya-Camille Broussard, Erick Williams and Lamar Moore

Let the games begin! Are you a Wayans or a King? Join the different Family Reunion teams to compete in a series of field games to see which family will reign over the weekend.

Meet at the Gazebo

Zip Lining

Shorne Benjamin


Meet at the Grand Terrace

Axe Throwing & Archery

Adrienne Cheatham


7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Middleburg Terrace Tent

A Night of Mardi Gras

While we will not be fasting AT ALL this weekend, let's party like it's Fat Tuesday.

Featuring Chefs Brian Jupiter, Damarr Brown, David Thomas, Gregory Gourdet, Jonny Rhodes, JR Robinson, Martel Stone, Serigne Mbaye, and Tonya Thomas.

10:00 pm - 12:00 am

Afterglows

Presented by Brown-Forman and McBride Sisters Collection

Pizza & Bubbles

Harrimans Grill

McBride Sisters Wine Down

The Library

Craft cocktails by Brown-Forman

The Distillery at Gold Cup

10:30 pm - 12:30 am

The Comedy Course

*ONLY Available to All-Access Pass Holders

A late-night comedy show with Pierre Edwards, Sam Jay, and Michael Che.

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Day 3 Sat

August 19, 2023

7:00 am - 9:00 am
Gold Cup

Continental Breakfast

Featuring Mawa McQueen making her famous crêpes.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

10:00 am - 1:30 pm
Middleburg Ballroom
*ONLY Available to All-Access Pass Holders

10:00 am - 11:00 am

Jury of Our Peers?

When it comes to our skills, do Black chefs ever get judged by people who truly appreciate what we do?

Moderated by Toni Tipton-Martin with panelists Damarr Brown, Nyesha Arrington and Vallery Lomas.

11:15 am - 12:15 pm

What is a Chef? Restaurants, Catering, Pop-Ups & Influencers

We look at all the different ways we feed you through our passion.

Moderated by Carla Hall with panelists Mashama Bailey, Serigne Mbaye and Tiana Gee.

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

What is Soul Food?

Explore the many reasons why the Black experience is not monolithic.

Moderated by Jamila Robinson with panelists Adrienne Cheatham, Erick Williams and Melba Wilson

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Middleburg Terrace

Family-Style Lunch

Presented by Coca-Cola

Enjoy a family style lunch under the tent by some of the hardest restaurant reservations to snag.

Featuring Chefs Justin Sutherland, Preston Clark, Rashida Holmes, Tiffany Derry, and Bryan Ford.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
*ONLY Available to All-Access Pass Holders. Pre-registration is required.

Equestrian Lawn

BBQ 101: Rodney Scott & Bryan Furman

Have you ever wanted to learn about how to make BBQ from the pros? We have the best in the game here to walk you through it and feed your soul.

Harrimans Fire Pit

Jerk: The Dish that Freed a Nation: Andre Fowles, Osei “Chef Picky” Blackett, Peter Prime, Tavel Bristol-Joseph

Jerk is a dish of freedom and resilience. Join us in a masterclass on traditional jerk and how that dish came to be.

The Equestrian Center

Chopped

Compete on Chopped! Four teams of up to four will work together to turn mystery ingredients into an incredible dish. Register for yourself and at least one other All Access passholder friend to test your culinary skills together. Work as a team to mix, chop and cook up a special dish for Chefs David Thomas, Gregory Gourdet and Nyesha Arrington to judge.

Culinary Garden

A Conversation with Dr. Jessica B. Harris

Led by Food Media Leader and Editor, Jamila Robinson

The Library

The Art of the Pitch: Selling the Story of Your Business

Maximize your chances of success at your next business pitch by joining Wells Fargo experts in an instructive workshop on best practices for delivery, format, approach, and objectives.

Middleburg Ballroom 2 and 3

Fill Your Glass with 50 Years of Hip Hop

Come taste, experience and experiment with wines paired with iconic lyrics from the 50 years of Hip Hop.

Middleburg Ballroom 1

Shaken & Stirred with Jack Daniel's & Woodford Reserve

Join us for a cocktail mixology class.



The Grand Lawn

Family Field Day: Kwame Onwuachi, Bryan Ford, Preston Clark, Vallery Lomas

Let the games begin! Are you a Wayans or a King? Join the different Family Reunion teams to compete in a series of field games to see which family will reign over the weekend.

Salamander Movement Studio

Body, Breath & Mind

Reset for the evening activities with yoga lead by Matthew Lyons and Carla Hall.

Meet at the Gazebo

Zip Lining

Serigne Mbaye

Meet at the Grand Terrace

Axe Throwing & Archery

Martel Stone

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Middleburg Terrace Tent

Block Party

It's not The Family Reunion without our signature block party. Great food, a special Lifetime Achievement Award presentation, and the DJ spinning all night.

Featuring Chefs Adrienne Cheatham, Douglass Williams, Maya-Camille Broussard, Melba Wilson, Osei "Chef Picky" Blackett, Peter Prime, Shorne Benjamin, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, and Tiana Gee.

10:00 pm - 12:00 am

Afterglows

Presented by Brown-Forman and McBride Sisters Collection

Pizza & Bubbles

Harrimans Grill

McBride Sisters Wine Down

The Library

Craft cocktails by Brown-Forman

The Distillery at Gold Cup

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Day 4 Sun

August 20, 2023

10:00 am - 10:30 am
Middleburg Terrace Tent

Sunday Service

Gather in gratitude as we have made it through another year. It's time to say our farewells and be thankful for what we have.

*Event schedule and talent subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • WHAT MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO ENSURE THE HEALTH & SAFETY OF ATTENDEES?

Press Contact

For media inquiries related to The Family Reunion, please contact Matt Owen, Vice President of Communications for Salamander Hotels & Resorts at [email protected]

PLEASE SUBMIT Media Applications HERE 

Please submit applications by July 30, 2023.

Content Library

CBS This Morning: Black chefs showcase their history, share their culture and bond through food
CBS This Morning: Black chefs showcase their history, share their culture and bond through food
My Town: Sheila Johnson’s Middleburg, Virginia
My Town: Sheila Johnson’s Middleburg, Virginia
Kidd Around Town: 'The Family Reunion' food conference at Salamander Resort & Spa
Kidd Around Town: 'The Family Reunion' food conference at Salamander Resort & Spa
Family Reunion Food Festival Centers on Black Culinary Experiences
Family Reunion Food Festival Centers on Black Culinary Experiences
Best Practices: Virginia Hotelier Sheila Johnson Knows Diversity is Good For Business
Best Practices: Virginia Hotelier Sheila Johnson Knows Diversity is Good For Business
Where To Travel In August
Where To Travel In August
Sheila Johnson’s Salamander Resorts Partners With Celebrity Chefs To Celebrate Diversity In Hospitality
Sheila Johnson's Salamander Resorts Partners With Celebrity Chefs To Celebrate Diversity In Hospitality
Tickets Are Now on Sale for Star-Packed Family Reunion Event in Virginia Wine Country
Tickets Are Now on Sale for Star-Packed Family Reunion Event in Virginia Wine Country
Uproxx article
Kwame Onwuachi Talks 'Top Chef,' The Future Of Restaurants, And Storytelling On The Plate
Travel + Leisure article
'Food & Wine' and Salamander Hotels Partner for 4-day Event Celebrating Diversity in Hospitality
Luxury Travel Advisor article
Salamander Resort & Spa to Host Culinary-Themed Diversity Event
Northern Virginia Magazine article
Big-name chefs are coming to Middleburg's Salamander Resort & Spa
Loudoun Times article
Middleburg's Salamander Resort to co-host diversity in hospitality event this summer
Departures article
'Food & Wine' and Salamander Hotels Just Launched a Four-Day Event Celebrating Diversity With Some of the Biggest Names in the Industry
Food & Wine article
Kwame Onwuachi to Host Inaugural 'Family Reunion' Event in Virginia Wine Country
Travel Pulse article
Salamander Resort & Spa, Kwame Onwuachi To Host 'Family Reunion' Event
Biz Journals article
Chef Kwame Onwuachi to host celebration of Black cooking and hospitality at Salamander Resort