Dominique Crenn

Dominique Crenn is the only female chef in the United States to earn a Michelin star three times over for her critically acclaimed restaurant, Atelier Crenn. Since then, she’s expanded her business to Petit Crenn, Bar Crenn, and, coming soon, Boutique Crenn.

Originally from France, Crenn’s childhood experiences shaped her into the chef she is today: whether it was growing up close to food critics, observing her mom’s cooking skills, or being raised on a farm, Crenn became inspired to cook, herself. She started her career at established restaurants in San Francisco, including 2223 Market, Campton Place, Stars, and Yoyo Bistro before landing a position in Indonesia at the Intercontinental Hotel, making history as the first female head chef in the country. Throughout her career, she’s been a prominent advocate for women in the culinary industry, even publicly criticizing her title of “World’s Best Female Chef” from the World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards.

Upon returning to the States, she held the title of executive chef at Abode Restaurant and Lounge, Manhattan Country Club, as well as the American extension of the Intercontinental Hotel, where she earned a Michelin star two years in a row.

Shortly after, she debuted her restaurant, Atelier Crenn, earning two Michelin stars a few times before graduating to three, becoming the first female chef in America to do so. With her growing fame, her recognition earned her a James Beard Foundation Award, praise from the Wall Street Journal, and even an appearance on Netflix’s Chef’s Table. Her latest accomplishment includes her memoir, Rebel Chef: In Search of What Matters.

Now, Crenn has eliminated land-animal meat from all of her restaurants for sustainability and has used her platform to feed front-line workers during coronavirus.