About Chef Nick Wallace
The Heart Behind Hen & Egg
Hen & Egg is more than a restaurant. It is a tribute to legacy, memory, and the Southern traditions that shaped Chef Nick Wallace’s life. Rooted in the spirit of his grandmother, Miss Lennell Donald, the concept reflects the connection between past and present, the wisdom passed down, and the creativity that continues to grow from it.
Chef Nick first created the idea for Hen & Egg more than a decade ago as a way to honor the women who raised him, preserve the food traditions they taught, and share them with the world through his Modern Mississippian cuisine.
Where the Name Came From
Hen & Egg was inspired by the women who influenced Chef Nick Wallace’s life, including his mother and both of his grandmothers. The photo beside this section shows Nick with his mother, a reminder that he learned from a circle of women whose guidance still shapes him today.
The name reflects the relationship between teacher and learner. To Chef Nick, his grandmother was the hen, the queen, the nurturer, and the source of wisdom. He is the egg, always learning, absorbing, and evolving.
“My grandmother was the hen. The queen. I am the egg. Always growing, always learning.” — Chef Nick Wallace
This pairing symbolizes how his past influences everything he creates today and why Hen & Egg is built on stories, memories, and flavors that endure.
Preservation: The Core of Hen & Egg
Miss Lennell Donald taught Nick the importance of preservation, not only in food but in life. She believed in creating things that last, from the wood she selected for her dining table to the meals she prepared for her family. That philosophy lives in every detail at Hen & Egg, where house-made ketchup, pickled pepper hot sauce, spicy honey, and warm jams served with biscuits honor the traditions he grew up with. Guests can even take a piece of that heritage home by purchasing these items directly in the restaurant.
Each dish preserves the flavors and memories of Nick’s childhood and brings guests into the traditions that shaped him.
The Story Behind the Jam
One of the most beloved elements of Hen & Egg is the warm jam, made exactly as Nick learned in his grandmother’s kitchen. He grew up eating it on biscuits, fried chicken, fish, rice, and sometimes straight from the spoon. Serving it today allows every guest to experience a little of what raised him. It honors not only Miss Lennell Donald but also Miss Mars, another guiding influence in his life.
Although Miss Lennell passed before Hen & Egg opened, Nick believes she is watching proudly. Her spirit is present in the food, the people, and the purpose behind the restaurant.
About Chef Nick Wallace
Chef Nick Wallace is a Mississippi native and nationally recognized chef known for his Modern Mississippian approach, blending deep Southern traditions with bold and creative techniques. He has competed on Food Network’s Chopped, Fire Masters, and Cutthroat Kitchen and is a passionate advocate for Mississippi farms and foodways.
Through Hen & Egg and Nick Wallace Culinary, he tells stories through food, sharing his heritage, Mississippi’s heritage, and the experiences of the people he cooks for. Hen & Egg represents his mission to preserve the past, elevate it, and serve it forward.
In 2025, Creativity Kitchen partnered with Whole Foods Market’s 5% Community Giving Program
In 2025, Creativity Kitchen partnered with Whole Foods Market’s 5% Community Giving Program, directing a portion of sales back into a local elementary school, reflecting Nick’s belief in reinvesting where it matters most.
His commitment to community health continues through partnerships with Dole, Novo Nordisk, the American Cancer Society, and the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi. He also serves as an ambassador for brands that share his values, including HOPE Credit Union, MARS Foods, and Mundial Smart Knives.