About the Chef

Chef and Owner, Heyward McKenzie hasn’t always been one of the best caterers on the Emerald Coast. He actually honed his skills and became a master prior to ever opening the doors of Culinary Catering 365.

Growing up in Columbia SC, Heyward, like many chefs do, got his start in his grandmother’s kitchen.  His love of creating culinary delights was further fostered through his rich southern heritage and it is here that he realized that a proper meal and its accoutrements were the glue that brought friends and family closer together.

His first professional immersion into the culinary world occurred at a local Greek Restaurant. Of course washing dishes and prepping salads were only the beginning. Heyward went on to attend one of the country’s most Prestigious Schools for his craft, JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY. While working two different jobs, he worked his way through culinary school.

Working as a Sous Chef in Charleston, SC at Southend Brewery, he began to hone his newly acquired skills and then later joined a talented team of chefs and opened Hank’s Seafood, which was voted into AMERICA ‘S TOP TWENTY-FIVE BEST NEW RESTAURANTS. Heyward’s career along the Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach and Destin includes variety of notable restaurants like The Beach Walk Cafe, Rutherfords 465, and Zampieri’s.

Heyward is also the Chef at Shalimar United Methodist Church.