WELCOME HOME
Food That Feels Like A Front Porch HUG
Pull up a chair, kick off your shoes, and let the aroma wrap around you like a hug from grandma. We’re serving more than just food, we’re dishing out comfort, flavor, and that feel-good feeling that only a home-cooked meal can bring.
Every dish has a story, every bite is made with care, and every visit feels like Sunday dinner — warm, familiar, and full of love. So come on in and stay a while… you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
What's Cookin'
GOOD Looking?
Every successful business has a story that captures its heart and soul. For Damn What's Cooking? (DWC), that story begins with a simple question that echoed through Chef Mariesha Jackson's family home countless times: "What's cooking?" No matter the time of day, or how recently someone had eaten, the irresistible aromas wafting from the kitchen would draw family members in, wondering what delicious creation was in the works. This familiar phrase, born from moments of anticipation and joy, became the perfect name for a business dedicated to creating those same feelings for others.
Founded in February 2021 and serving the Concord and Charlotte-Metro Area, Damn What's Cooking? has quickly become synonymous with exceptional culinary experiences through our comprehensive services. Whether crafting personalized meal preparations that make healthy eating effortless, providing intimate private chef experiences that transform ordinary evenings into memorable occasions, or catering events that bring people together, DWC's mission remains constant: spreading happiness one meal at a time.
Under the guidance of Chef Mariesha Jackson, DWC combines culinary expertise with a deep commitment to community impact. This dedication is evident not only in the quality of our food but also in our ongoing initiatives to support local homeless shelters and low-income after-school programs. Our diverse service offerings—from weekly meal prep to large-scale catering events, allow us to meet our clients wherever they are in their culinary journey, ensuring that every dish we create is infused with both professional precision and heartfelt passion.
Our ultimate goal extends beyond providing exceptional culinary services. Through our meal preparation, private chef experiences, and catering services, we aim to transform everyday meals into extraordinary moments, foster connections within our community, and continue our tradition of giving back. At DWC, we believe that when someone asks, "What's cooking?", they're not just asking about the food, they're anticipating an experience that will leave them with both satisfied appetites and warmed hearts.
At DWC, we believe that when someone asks "What's cooking?", they're not just asking about the food—they're anticipating an experience that will leave them with both satisfied appetites and warmed hearts.
MEET CHEF MARIESHA JACKSON
Where Passion Meets Purpose & Every Dish Tells a STORY!
At the heart of every memorable meal lies a story, and Chef Mariesha Jackson's culinary journey is a testament to the transformative power of food and family. From her earliest memories of bustling family gatherings around a well-loved dining table, she discovered that food was more than sustenance—it was a medium for creating joy, fostering connections, and building lasting memories. Growing up in a large family, Chef Jackson learned that the kitchen was where magic happened. The warmth of shared laughter, the excitement of trying new recipes, and the satisfaction of feeding loved ones sparked a passion that would eventually become her life's calling. Though her academic path initially led her through Criminal Justice and Digital Forensics, her heart remained steadfast in the culinary arts.
Since officially launching “Damn What’s Cooking?” In February 2021, Chef Mariesha has proven that being self-taught is no barrier to excellence. Armed with ServSafe certification and an insatiable appetite for learning, she approaches each dish with meticulous attention to detail and an artist's creativity. Her technical precision, combined with an intuitive understanding of flavors, creates dining experiences that are both sophisticated and soul-warming.
Chef Jackson's impact extends far beyond the plate. She has earned recognition not just for her culinary expertise, but for her unwavering commitment to community service. Her regular contributions to homeless shelters and low-income after-school programs demonstrate her belief that food can be a powerful force for positive change. As a sought-after vendor at various events, she continues to share her culinary gifts while making meaningful connections throughout the community.
When she's not in the kitchen, Chef Mariesha finds inspiration in other creative pursuits. Her love for baking allows her to explore the precise art of pastry, while painting offers another outlet for her artistic expression. Music fills her kitchen as she works, and her travels around the world influence her ever-evolving culinary perspective. Chef Mariesha Jackson's philosophy is simple: every meal is an opportunity to create happiness, every table a chance to build community, and every dish a way to share love. Her dedication to both culinary excellence and social impact makes her more than just a chef—she's a creator of experiences, a philanthropist, and a testament to the power of following one's passion.
THE FOUNDER
Compliments to the Chef
We love hearing how our flavors hit the spot, and nothing makes us prouder than the kind words from happy customers. Your reviews not only warm our hearts, they help others know what to expect when they pull up a seat at our table. Tried something you can’t stop thinking about? Drop a review and let the world know what’s cooking!
Happy Bellies. Happy Hearts.
Kira Says...
Hey girl! I was working at Gabe's earlier when you brung in the sweets. I just wanted to say they were the bomb.com. Girl, they were so delicious. I appreciate and will be shopping in the future.
A LITTLE BIT OF THIS, A LITTLE BIT OF THAT...
Get to Know the Magic Behind the Meals
There’s more to this kitchen than pots, pans, and perfectly seasoned plates, there’s a whole lot of heart behind it, too. Chef’s Favorite Five is your backstage pass to the woman behind the apron. From guilty pleasures to unexpected obsessions, these little facts serve up a side of personality with every bite. Because knowing who’s stirring the pot makes the meal that much sweeter.
Favorite Food to Eat?
Give me all the flavors! From jerk chicken to any type of pasta alfredo, my heart belongs to Caribbean, Soul Food, Mexican, and Italian cuisine. Can't make me choose just one!
Favorite Spice to Cook With?
Cajun spices are the key to my heart! There's nothing like that perfect blend of heat and flavor to make a dish come alive. When you see me reaching for the Cajun seasoning, you know it's about to get good!
Favorite City You've Eaten In?
New York City, hands down! It's like taking a food tour around the world without leaving the city. Every corner has a new flavor to discover, and every neighborhood tells a different culinary story.
Favorite Restaurant?
You'll find me at either a cozy local Mexican spot or a soulful home-cooking restaurant. There's something special about places that pour their heart into every dish.
Favorite Food to Prepare?
Lasagna! Because there's love in every layer. Building those perfect layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese is like creating edible art – and the smiles when it comes out of the oven? Priceless!
