Chef Keith Jenkins

Meet Keith Jenkins, the founder and executive chef behind Stella Mae's Legacy Blends, an Alaska-based premium seasoning company inspired by generations of family recipes and the unforgettable flavors of his mother, Stella Mae. Originally from New York City and now proud to call Alaska home, Keith has spent decades bringing people together through exceptional food, believing every meal is an opportunity to build relationships, share stories, and create lasting memories.

Driven by a lifelong passion for cooking, Keith completed his culinary education at the University of Alaska and has dedicated himself to developing memorable dining experiences that celebrate both Southern comfort food traditions and Alaska's extraordinary seafood, wild game, and locally sourced ingredients. As the creator of Stella Mae's Legacy Blends, he has crafted premium handcrafted seasonings designed to elevate everyday cooking while honoring the traditions of family, community, and hospitality.

Before pursuing his culinary career full time, Keith honorably served 24 years in the United States Army, retiring as a First Sergeant and concluding his military career in Alaska. Throughout his service, he became known for feeding Soldiers, mentoring others, building strong teams, and creating a sense of family wherever he served. These values continue to influence his leadership in the kitchen and his passion for serving others through food.

Keith brings extensive experience in culinary education, recipe development, seasoning innovation, customer service, leadership, organizational management, team development, and event execution. His mission is to preserve family traditions, celebrate Alaska's incredible ingredients, and create unforgettable meals that bring family, friends, and communities together around the table.