About

Chef Shawn "Wimbo" Wimberly’s culinary journey is as rich and soulful as the dishes he creates. Born in Albany, NY, and raised by a hardworking single mother alongside his three brothers, Wimbo’s earliest inspiration came from watching his mom work magic in the kitchen—turning simple ingredients into memorable meals.

After high school, he served 21 years in the U.S. Navy, exploring many paths but always drawn back to his love of cooking—a passion that reminded him of home and family. In 2012, he earned his Associate’s Degree in Culinary Science from the Culinary Institute of Virginia and became a Certified Culinarian through the American Culinary Federation. His mission? To bring fine dining flavors into everyday homes.

Wimbo sharpened his skills in local restaurants, winning the 2015 Alpha Kappa Alpha Tidewater Top Chef Culinary Extravaganza and the 2013 March of Dimes Best Dessert title. In 2014, he launched Wimbo’s Your Personal Chef LLC, marking the start of his entrepreneurial journey.

After retiring from the Navy in 2018, Wimbo took his talents to new heights—managing the kitchen at a busy oceanfront restaurant and nightclub and raising the bar for local cuisine, even through the challenges of COVID-19.

In 2021, he launched Cups Up, a food trailer that quickly became a local favorite. Today, he runs the food truck alongside his soon-to-be wife, expanding its reach far beyond Virginia. They now travel the festival circuit across VA, NC, SC, FL, and beyond, serving bold, crowd-pleasing flavors wherever they go.

Chef Wimbo’s dedication to giving back is just as strong as his love of food. He continues to volunteer monthly at the Boys & Girls Clubs, teaching kids essential cooking, teamwork, and leadership skills.

His achievements keep growing, with multiple new culinary awards added to his list over the past year. He’s a regular face on local TV shows, has been featured in magazines, and continues to build a name as one of the region’s most respected chefs.

In 2024, Wimbo stepped away from restaurant management to focus fully on his own culinary ventures—pushing his brand to new heights and making his mark on the food scene across the Southeast.