Shaw-naé’s House: A Journey Through Soul Food and Community Connection

On a warm September evening in Staten Island, Chef Shaw-naé Dixon prepares for a packed house at her beloved restaurant, Shaw-naé’s House. Her cozy eatery is buzzing with anticipation, not just for the food, but for the stories and connections that unfold within its walls.

A Night of Anticipation

Celebrity chef Al Roker and his Weather Hunter team are expected tonight, eagerly awaiting a menu rich with soulful classics like oxtail, ribs, and jerk chicken. As I prepare to join the festivities, I receive a heartwarming text from Shaw-naé, suggesting remedies for my wife’s illness. Her caring spirit reflects how intertwined her restaurant journey is with nurturing others.

Roots and Rich Heritage

The essence of Shaw-naé’s cooking is deeply rooted in her family history. Raised on Staten Island by parents who were also born there, Shaw-naé has ancestral ties that go back to Captain John Jackson, the first Black landowner in Staten Island and a pivotal figure in local history. His legacy extends beyond property ownership; he was instrumental in helping enslaved individuals find freedom, housing notable figures like Harriet Tubman.

“This historical legacy is the backbone of my business,” Shaw-naé reveals, underscoring her commitment to community empowerment through food. Her grandmother, a nutritionist, set the precedent for an intentional approach to cooking, emphasizing hospitality and generosity. “My grandmother always said, when someone walks in, you have to have food prepared.”

The Making of a Culinary Star

Shaw-naé’s culinary journey didn’t begin in a formal setting. She started catering for the entertainment industry, networking in hip-hop circles. A memorable moment came when she chased after 50 Cent outside the Javits Center, desperately trying to hand him flyers for her catering business. Though the moment didn’t lead to an immediate opportunity, it marked the beginning of her relentless hustle.

By 2014, Shaw-naé had transitioned to selling food out of her home, using handmade flyers to spread the word. Eventually, she landed a gig catering for iHeart Radio’s popular show, “The Breakfast Club.” “I didn’t work for them; I got the opportunity to feed them,” she recalls, a sentiment that demonstrates her passion for sharing her art.

Challenges and Resilience

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a significant turning point in Shaw-naé’s life. As the reality of the outbreak set in, she felt an unshakable spiritual calling. “I began experiencing visions and felt the urge to focus on holistic living and meditation,” she states. Following alarming health issues, including a brush with death, Shaw-naé’s resolve only strengthened. After a near-fatal health crisis that left her in a medically induced coma, she emerged with a renewed sense of purpose.

“In the coma, I felt God telling me to feed and provide for as many people as I could,” she reflects. This call culminated in the opening of Shaw-naé’s House in June 2021—a soul food restaurant that serves not just meals but also love and connection.

A Place of Healing and Community

At Shaw-naé’s House, every guest is treated as family. The walls are adorned with memorabilia, but it is the atmosphere of warmth and togetherness that truly defines the space. “I believe every person coming into this restaurant is here for a specific experience,” Shaw-naé says, emphasizing the healing power of food and community.

Her approach isn’t just about serving soul food; it’s about fostering bonds and creating a space where patrons feel seen and valued. Each plate reflects her heritage and commitment to honoring traditions while creating new memories.

Future Aspirations and Vision

As Shaw-naé’s House gains recognition, including features in prestigious publications like The New York Times, Shaw-naé’s ambitions continue to grow. She is in talks for potential book and film deals, and opportunities to host her own cooking shows are on the horizon. Yet, despite her rising fame, her focus remains rooted in her community and the mission behind her food.

Shaw-naé Dixon’s narrative is one of resilience, heritage, and a passion for connection through cuisine. As she hands guests plates overflowing with comforting dishes, her eyes gleam with the knowledge that she is not just serving food but creating a movement of love and empowerment, one meal at a time.