Chef Rome

It all began for Jerome Brown at Garner’s BBQ in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. As a teenager, he spent endless hours absorbing the wisdom shared by his mentors at this popular neighborhood restaurant. Jerome was a quick study in the kitchen and his confidence and skill set grew rapidly. He was a natural. Jerome had the ability to master any dish with the greatest of ease. All it took was a single lesson or a mere taste of a dish that he could recreate it to perfection. Those around him knew that Jerome had a special gift. After all, he dazzles his family with his very first creation at the tender age of seven – pancakes. It was the lessons learned at Gardner’s BBQ and those taught by his mother and other elders in his family that would prepare Jerome for a heralded career in the culinary arts as Chef Rome – “Personal Chef to the Stars”.

After high school, Chef Rome enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served his country and fellow soldiers in the kitchen. He traveled around the world perfecting his skills and expanding his repertoire to include international cuisine. After miliary service, Chef Rome returned to Rocky Mount. He began work at the upscale Benvenue Country Club and trained under renowned Executive Chef Larry Kennedy.

He soon learned of a single culinary opening at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, and decided to take a chance. The odds were four hundred to one, but Chef Rome was neither intimidated nor deterred. And it was with that attitude that he shattered the odds by beating out the other three hundred ninety-nine applicants to win the position. For more than twenty yeats, Chef Rome has been working to master his craft. But along this journey, he has always maintained a sincere desire to help educate and empower young professionals in the field. In 2000, he created Chef to the Stars, a chef placement service that has successfully places more than seventy-five top chefs in celebrity homes.

His command of the culinary arts extends far beyond the magic he created in the kitchen. In 2001, he was commissioned by former NBA star Issac Austin to consult on the opening of his restaurant. Chef Rome single handedly created the menu, designed the floor plan, and synthesized the operation, management, and overall flow of the kitchen. So, it was no surprise when his services became in high demand.

Chef Rome has shared his passion for cuisine with a variety of A list entertainers, dignitaries, and elite professional athletes such as Colin Powell, Shaquille O’Neal, Priscilla Presley, Star Jones, Raymond Felton, Lamman Rucker, Carl Gustaf (King of Sweden), Byron Cage, Mike Bibby, and more.

He has been a featured African American celebrity chef for two consecutive years at the prestigious Epcot Food & Wine Festival showcasing alongside Cat Cora, Rock Harper, and Robert Irvine. Chef Rome has also appeared at the Taste of Chicago, the world’s largest outdoor food festival. His charisma and culinary talents have caught the eyes of television casting directors and talent producers. In 2011, he was cast in the premiere season of the Food Network’s new reality show “Extreme Chef”. That same year, he appeared in the US Army series “I’ve Got Skills” that aired on ESPN.

Whether he is offering guidance to a client struggling with weight issues, or a novice who simply wants to be educated on healthy food choices and preparation – Chef Rome delivers tailored programs with a kilowatt smile. With his popular “southern meets gourmet” twist on cuisine, clients are amazed to learn that low calorie dishes can still be flavorful and completely satisfying. More important, he is on a mission to use food as a tool to bring families back to the dining table.

Chef Rome is often called upon to share his expertise and participate in the national dialogue on popular health and lifestyle hot topics, ranging from energy boosting foods, cooking techniques, to how to set a table. He has numerous media placements on a variety of media outlets, such as The Food Network, The Gospel Music Channel, ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS, and more. Chef Rome was the healthy chef correspondent for “The Good Life Radio”, and his “Cooking with Rome” radio segment was heard weekly on “The Donnie McClurkin” syndicated radio show.

Chef Rome Experience Live

Hosted by Jason, TuRae, and Chef Rome with Special Guest Actress Trisha Mann-Grant of the hit tv show ‘The Family Business, and Beyond the Gates Actor Ben Stephens from the hit show, The Family Business’

Chef Rome Live is an energetic live cooking show production that’s inspired by the excitement and audience engagement of Food Network’s Emeril Live. The event blends food, music, comedy, and celebrity appearances into a fast-paced, interactive experience.

Ben Stephens

Born Benjamin Stephens Jr. in Washington, D.C., and raised in Forestville, Maryland, Ben’s early years were shaped by a deep love for sports and an unrelenting work ethic. His dedication to basketball earned him a full-scholarship to Shepherd University, where he excelled on the court—setting records, earning All-American and WVIAC All-Conference honors, and being named WVIAC Conference Tournament MVP in his Junior season.

After college, Ben’s journey took an unexpected yet purposeful turn toward the entertainment industry. He began sharpening his craft through guest roles on iconic television shows such as Frasier, Moesha, The Parkers, Half & Half, and One on One, steadily building his range and confidence as an actor. His perseverance paid off when he landed the role of Curtis Duncan in Season 3 of The Family Business—a gritty and fearless bounty hunter whose complexity and charisma made him an instant fan favorite. Originally a recurring character, Ben’s standout performance earned him a promotion to series regular by the show’s fourth season.

In addition to his work in front of the camera, Ben has expanded his creative influence behind it. He serves as an Associate Producer on The Family Business (BET+, Netflix) and its spin-off, The Family Business: New Orleans, which premiered on BET+ in January 2025. Working on both the creative and production sides has deepened his appreciation for the teamwork, discipline, and vision it takes to bring compelling stories to life.

In The Family Business: New Orleans, Ben continues to shine as a series regular, exploring new layers of Curtis Duncan alongside an all-star cast that includes Brandon T. Jackson, Lela Rochon, Pooch Hall, David Banner, Yvette Nicole Brown, Stan Shaw, and BernNadette Stanis. The series has earned praise for its high-stakes action, emotional storytelling, and cultural resonance—qualities Ben helps elevate through his authentic and passionate performances.

Beyond scripted television, Ben has also made an impact in unscripted entertainment. He created and produced the MTV streetball series Who’s Got Game? starring NBA legend and business mogul Magic Johnson. Most recently, he co-authored his debut novel, Carl Weber Presents Curtis Duncan: Bounty Hunter, alongside acclaimed author LaJill Hunt. The project marks a major expansion of New York Times bestselling author Carl Weber’s Family Business universe—bringing the story of Curtis Duncan to life on the page and introducing audiences to a bold new chapter in the franchise. He has also entered the radio space with his fast-growing syndicated show “The Velvet Lounge with Ben Stephens” delivering the best of 90’s R&B slow jams—quickly becoming one of the most anticipated and sought-after music experiences among fans.

Across every role and project, Ben remains driven by growth, creativity, and purpose. As an actor, producer, and author, he continues to bring powerful stories to life—stories that inspire, entertain, and connect with audiences around the world.

Trisha Mann-Grant

Chicagoan, and Award-winning actress and author Trisha Mann-Grant attended Roosevelt University for Music Education with a scholarship in Voice Performance. This former Miss Black Chicago is a writer, producer, motivational speaker and was a print model in Ebony and Jet magazines for Raveen and Fashion Fair. She was also seen on billboards, commercials and toured with Luster Hair products. Her theater credits: The Great Women of Color, in which Drama-Logue said, “Trisha’s performance was anger-personified”. The Visit, An Evening of Shakespeare with Charles Dutton, Jeffery’s Plan with Kellita Smith, Howard Hewett’s, Say Amen, Souled Out and she shared the stage with Stephanie Mills and the late, Tommy Ford in the National tour of David E. Talbert’s His Woman His Wife. She received noteworthy reviews for If You Don’t Believe: A love story as big sister to Tatyana Ali. Trisha was nominated by the NAACP in this musical produced by singer Denise Williams. Trisha produced, directed and wrote songs to her own God-inspired play, Mama’s Will. Ted Lange’s Washington’s Boy, Hope Runs Eternal, Eddie Lee Baker is Dead with Wendy Raquel Robinson, Unbound which Trisha co-produced. She toured nationally in The Clean Up Woman, Mrs. Independent and Mama’s Boy. Trisha is currently in The Family Business as “Dominique Le’Roe” on BET. Her sitcom/series roles; Tyler Perry’s Love Thy Neighbor, Dana “Leslie” Thomas in Beyond the Gates, Cold Case, The Parkers, Eve, All About The Andersons and Method and Red. Feature films: Reunion. The Last Fall, opposite Lance Gross. Because We’re Done, The Man In 3B, Big Bag of Money, Who Can I Run To, Santa Games, Section 8. Lord All Men Can’t Be Dogs with Vivica Fox, The Lying Truth, and the upcoming A Royal Christmas Surprise. Trisha created and hosts MANN TALK. She is the author of AMAZING TESTIMONIES found on Amazon.com. Visit, Instagram-@TRISHAMANNGRANT621 youtube.com/Trishamanntv, twitter.com/TrishaMann.