Javani King Moves On
Acclaimed chef departs Hermann Park restaurant to launch food truck
One of Houston's highest profile African American chefs has parted ways with the restaurant that brought him local acclaim. Javani King announced on both Instagram and Facebook that he has departed from Davis Street at Hermann Park.
In 2015, King made a splash when he emerged as the unlikely victor at the RodeoHouston Uncorked! Best Bites competition thanks to a dish of crispy Thai shrimp. He would earn positive reviews for his inventive fare.
Count Urban Swank blogger Felice Sloan among King's biggest fans. "His food reflects his heritage, his experiences, and his approach to life," she tells CultureMap. "I enjoyed his bold and wonderful creations long before there was a Davis St., so his quick success there did not come as a surprise to me."
While King may have left Davis St. after approximately a year-and-a-half, he has plans to remain deeply involved in Houston's dining scene. The chef revealed he has plans to open a food truck under his JK+CO catering business, and he will be heavily invovled in the upcoming Black Restaurant Week, which kicks off March 29 with the Nosh Culinary Showcase.