Award winning chef, entrepreneur, author.

Gavin Kaysen is the award-winning chef and founder of Soigné Hospitality Group, known for transforming the Minneapolis dining scene with acclaimed restaurants that include Spoon and Stable, Demi, Bellecour, and Mara Restaurant and Bar. Since returning to his Midwestern roots in 2014, he has redefined dining in the region while mentoring the next generation of culinary talent. He continues to broaden his impact with new partnerships and openings, including the first outside of Minnesota: The Merchant Room opened in late 2025 in collaboration with Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort. He is a two-time James Beard Award—winner (Rising Star Chef 2008, Best Chef: Midwest 2018).

Chef Kaysen is the cofounder KZ ProVisioning with Chef Andrew Zimmern, a catering company that fuels the Minnesota Wild and the Minnesota Timberwolves. He serves as President of the Ment'or Foundation's Team USA, where he collaborates with two of his mentors, Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller. He has served as a producer and judge for culinary television (Iron Chef, Bobby's Triple Threat). He is the author of two self-published books: the cookbook At Home, and The Synergy Series, a memoir-style collection of essays on the culinary profession from an all-star roster of chefs, released in May 2025.