Meet Laverne Hester II of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laverne Hester II.

Hi Laverne , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My culinary journey started at just six years old, when I first discovered my passion for cooking. Growing up, food was more than something we ate it was a way to bring people together, celebrate culture, and create memories. That passion stayed with me throughout my life and eventually became the foundation of my career.

After high school, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where I served as an Infantry Marine for four and a half years. During my military service, I had the opportunity to travel abroad and experience different cultures, cuisines, and cooking styles. Those experiences broadened my understanding of food and inspired me to think beyond traditional recipes.

After leaving the military, I returned to North Carolina and pursued my culinary education while working my way through the restaurant industry. I eventually became a chef at a four-star restaurant and continued refining my craft. When COVID-19 impacted the hospitality industry, I found myself reconnecting with my roots and rediscovering the rich Creole traditions and flavors that I grew up around. That period reminded me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place.

In 2022, my wife, Astayla, and I launched Hester’s Bar & Grill in Texas. What started as a small soul food business quickly evolved into something unique. We combined the bold flavors of Louisiana Creole cuisine with the excitement and entertainment of hibachi cooking, creating what is now known as the Creole Hibachi Experience.

We began serving customers in the Allen and Frisco areas before expanding throughout Fort Worth and the greater DFW Metroplex. Through festivals, breweries, private events, pop-ups, military functions, and catering experiences, our brand continued to grow. Our goal has always been to create more than just a meal we wanted to create an experience where food, culture, entertainment, and community come together.

Over the past several years, we’ve had the privilege of serving thousands of guests across Texas while building a loyal following that has supported our journey every step of the way. Today, Hester’s Bar & Grill is known for delivering bold flavors, live cooking experiences, and authentic hospitality. As we enter our next chapter, we’re excited to bring the Creole Hibachi Experience to Cleveland, Ohio, and continue sharing our passion for food with new communities while staying true to the culture and traditions that inspired it all.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Like many small business owners, we’ve faced our share of challenges, setbacks, and learning experiences along the way. When we started Hester’s Bar & Grill in 2022, we didn’t have investors, startup funding, or a large support system behind us. Everything we’ve built has been through hard work, sacrifice, and reinvesting back into the business. We have truly bootstrapped this company from the ground up.
Over the years, we’ve faced financial obstacles, equipment failures, unexpected business expenses, weather-related issues at events, and the everyday challenges that come with operating a food business. There were times when we had to figure things out as we went, often learning lessons the hard way. One of the biggest challenges wasn’t just the financial side it was gaining the knowledge and understanding necessary to grow a successful business. As entrepreneurs, we’ve learned that information can be one of the most valuable assets, and sometimes finding the right guidance, mentorship, or resources can be difficult.
Despite those challenges, every obstacle taught us something valuable. From 2022 to 2026, we’ve grown tremendously not only as business owners, but as a husband and wife team. We’ve strengthened our communication, expanded our knowledge, improved our operations, and developed a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a sustainable brand.
Looking back, the struggles were part of the journey. They forced us to become more resilient, more creative, and more determined. Every challenge we’ve overcome has helped shape Hester’s Bar & Grill into what it is today. While the road hasn’t been easy, we’re grateful for the lessons, the growth, and the opportunity to continue pursuing our vision. Those experiences have prepared us for the next chapter as we expand the Creole Hibachi Experience into new communities and continue building something we can be proud of.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Hester’s Bar & Grill is a family-owned culinary brand that specializes in delivering a luxury Creole Hibachi experience. What we do is unique because we combine the bold, soulful flavors of Louisiana Creole cuisine with the interactive entertainment and cooking techniques of traditional hibachi. By blending two distinct culinary traditions, we’ve created a concept that is truly our own.
We are known for providing more than just a meal we create an experience. Whether we’re catering a private event, serving at a festival, hosting a pop-up, or partnering with breweries and community events, our goal is to bring people together through exceptional food, hospitality, and live cooking experiences that guests remember long after the event is over.

What makes us most proud is that we built this business from the ground up. Without outside investors or major funding, we transformed an idea into a recognized brand that has served thousands of guests throughout Texas. Every milestone has been earned through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to delivering quality and consistency.

What truly sets us apart is our originality. To our knowledge, we are the only business offering a dedicated Creole Hibachi concept in the markets we serve. While many businesses focus on either Creole cuisine or hibachi, we have successfully merged the two into a one of a kind culinary experience. That uniqueness, combined with our military work ethic, family values, and passion for hospitality, allows us to stand out wherever we go whether that’s in Texas, Ohio, or beyond.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple mission: to create unforgettable experiences through food while honoring the culture, heritage, and flavors that inspired us to start this journey.

What are your plans for the future?
Our plans for the future are focused on growth, innovation, and creating an even greater experience for our customers. The next step for Hester’s Bar & Grill is establishing ourselves in a commercial kitchen and food hall environment, which will allow us to serve more guests while continuing to refine and expand our Creole Hibachi concept. From there, our goal is to open our first full brick and mortar restaurant within the next year to year and a half.

What we’re building is much bigger than a traditional restaurant. We envision a culinary stage where guests can watch their food being cooked right in front of them, creating an interactive dining experience that combines entertainment, culture, and exceptional food. We want customers to feel the energy of hibachi while also experiencing the comfort and authenticity of a Southern Creole bar and grill.

Our menu will continue to showcase the best of both worlds. Guests will be able to enjoy hibachi favorites alongside Southern and Creole staples such as crawfish macaroni and cheese, gumbo, greens, red beans and rice, fried catfish, and other dishes that celebrate our heritage and culinary roots. By blending these traditions together, we’re creating a dining experience that is truly unique.

We’re also looking forward to creating jobs, building a strong team, and becoming a destination where families, friends, and communities can gather. At the heart of our vision is bringing people together through food, culture, and hospitality. We want every guest who walks through our doors to leave with not only a great meal, but also a memorable experience shared with the people they care about most.

As we expand into Ohio and continue growing our brand, we’re excited about the opportunities ahead. The ultimate goal is to establish Hester’s Bar & Grill as a premier Creole Hibachi destination and a place where unforgettable memories are made around great food.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hestersbarandgrill.com/
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