In this flavorful episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, we sit down with Chef O, owner and chef of House of Dutch Pot, one of Las Vegas’ premier Caribbean restaurants. From humble beginnings cooking out of his garage in New York to competing on the Food Network, Chef O shares his inspiring journey of hustle, faith, and flavor.

He opens up about the lessons learned working 16 years at Applebee’s, how he used his street smarts and corporate training to build a restaurant brand, and why entrepreneurship is about sacrifice, community, and service. This conversation is a masterclass in business mindset — seasoned with a side of oxtail and escovitch snapper.

• How Chef O turned a garage kitchen into a Caribbean food destination.
• Why he views food as a cultural bridge that bonds people together.
• The importance of long-term planning: his 10-year development plan before moving to Las Vegas.
• Business lessons from 16 years at Applebee’s and how corporate training shaped his success.
• Why entrepreneurship is selfless and built on solving community problems.
• The difference between being rich and building true wealth.
• How he keeps House of Dutch Pot thriving with customer-first strategies.
• His upcoming projects, including a new Caribbean brunch concept: Rum & Toast.
• What it’s like competing on the Food Network alongside Guy Fieri and other celebrity chefs.