Omari Johnson-Bignell [@OmariJB]: The Talented Chef Behind Bryon’s NEW ‘Brooklyn Honey Hot Chick’ Burger

We had the opportunity to speak with budding Chef Omari Johnson-Bignell. Founder of successful catering business Noir Niveaux, caught the attention of social media with his succulent personalised meals. He recently created the NEW Brooklyn Honey Hot Chick Burger, for well-known British restaurant chain Byron. Read more to learn about Omari’s story, of how he became the Chef behind one of Bryon’s newest hottest burgers..

Tell us where it all begun with your catering business Noir Niveaux?

“The company was originally founded in 2014 under the name ‘JB Niveaux’. I was fresh out of college (where I studied professional cookery) and thought I was ready to do my own thing, looking back now I wasn’t. In 2017, my business partners and I relaunched under the name Noir Niveaux. Noir Niveaux translates to ‘Black Levels’ in French. It has always been important to me to own a successful Black business as this is no easy feat in our current socioeconomic climate; providing a platform of inspiration for young people with aspirations much like my own is a major part of what motivates me.

Owning my own company showing casing my love for food has been an aspiration of mine for as long as I can remember. Growing up with a family full of chefs and caterers, I believe it was destiny for me to end up in the Kitchen.“

What was your motivation behind building your own brand?

“Working in my first job, I used to always feel unfulfilled within myself and felt the constant hunger to elevate from where I was. This gave me the fire in my stomach to build myself and my company with my partners.”

We are super excited to try out your new burger, which is now on menus at Bryon Hamburgers until the end of September! Tell us more about this amazing opportunity?

“I hope you guys enjoy! It was an internal competition at work where we had to design a burger but had to include ‘Brooklyn Lager’. When I initially won, I honestly wasn’t fazed. It wasn’t until approximately two or three weeks before the launch that it started to sink in what I had accomplished. It is honestly one of my biggest achievements and gives me so much pride to hear all of the beautiful feedback thus far.”

I must say, you have curated amazing meals which you kindly share with the world via socials. How do these meals come to mind, who is your inspiration?

“Thank you, you’re too kind! Not to sound cocky but – myself! I always aspire and work hard to be the best version of me that I can be. I watch a lot the Food Network and Youtube chefs for different ideas. However my best ideas come randomly out of nowhere. On my days off, I will then recreate these dishes with another member of Noir Niveaux; Rochelle. I have over 100 recipe ideas I want to try out and hope to do at least 80% of them by end of 2020.”

What can we expect from Noir Niveaux in the near feature?

“YOUTUBE!!! We hope to have an up and running channel by end of the year. I believe this platform will be life changing for us.

We had two very successful Pop Up Take Away Experiences in the middle of summer. We are planning on building on this and having at least 6 events in 2020. I’ll stay tight lipped on anything else for now but watch this space.

I’d like to say a BIG thank you to all that have re posted and actually tried my burger. I never imagined that I would have got this much support from it. Without yourselves and the Lord, I’m nothing. I am forever grateful for all the love and support, particularly over this past month!

I also want to thank Byron for giving me the opportunity to showcase my vision to the UK. The company will always hold a special place in my heart!”

Be sure to follow Omari’s catering business Noir Niveaux on Instagram.