Chef Renard Tucker Infuses Living Fresh Market's Hot Bar with a Unique Blend of Flavors from New Orleans and Beyond

Chef Renard Tucker. Photo provided by jerrythomaspr
Chef Renard Tucker. Photo provided by jerrythomaspr

Chef Renard Tucker Infuses Living Fresh Market's Hot Bar with a Unique Blend of Flavors from New Orleans and Beyond

Anticipate the exciting St. Patrick's Day Plans: A Special Corned Beef and Cabbage Dish Awaits at Living Fresh Market


FOREST PARK, IL – The secret is out! Living Fresh Market's hot bar, led by the talented Chef Renard Tucker, has become the go-to destination for families who want to enjoy restaurant-quality meals without the hassle of grocery shopping or dining in a restaurant. 

Chef Tucker, 44, who hails from New Orleans, has been delighting customers with his authentic Cajun, Creole, and Southern cuisine for the past few years at what is believed to be the largest full-scale supermarket owned by an African American in the nation. 

Last week, Chef Tucker and his team were in their element, serving up a feast of New Orleans and Fat Tuesday dishes that left customers longing for more. The hot bar featured fan favorites such as jambalaya, blackened catfish, seasoned asparagus, macaroni and cheese, shrimp and grits, and a seafood boil. The response was overwhelmingly positive. 

Corey Cooper, a retired policeman from Maywood, shared his enthusiasm during a recent visit: "Shrimp and grits, man, it's that southern style. I knew he was from New Orleans. Every Friday, I come in just because of the shrimp and grits, and on other days when I'm here shopping, I get other things. This is dynamite."

Chef Tucker's culinary journey is as rich and flavorful as the dishes he prepares. His passion for cooking began at a young age, inspired by his grandmother's fried chicken and homemade biscuits, jams, and jellies. "I love it. It is my first love. Cooking is my passion. Even from birth, I was in the kitchen with my grandmother. That's where it started from," Chef Tucker reminisced. 

He further honed his culinary skills while working on oil rigs for 15 years, learning from a seasoned chef who taught him everything before retiring.

Thirteen years ago, Chef Tucker, his mother, and a few other relatives moved from New Orleans to Chicago. This move was influenced by an aunt who had settled in the area 38 years ago. 

His first cooking job was at an upscale Oakbrook seafood and steak house. He became the lead chef at Harvest 365 Restaurant & Fresh Grill, a fancy all-you-can-eat buffet with international cuisine inside the Forest Park Plaza in Forest Park. From Harvest, he launched Heavens Kitchen Catering Inc., before being lured by Living Fresh Market’s senior executive Melody Winston to become the chef of the hot bar.

Chef Tucker's weekly menu at Living Fresh Market is a testament to his dedication to providing high-quality, flavorful dishes. From Tuesday to Sunday, customers can enjoy a variety of themed meals:

•    Taco Tuesdays: A celebration of Mexican flavors with various tacos.

•    Wild Wing Wednesdays: Featuring a selection of delicious chicken wings.

•    Soul Food Thursdays: Featuring popular soul food dishes, including fried chicken, candied yams, and peach cobbler. 

•    Seafood Fridays: A seafood lover's dream with dishes like shrimp and grits.

•    Soul Food Saturdays and Sundays: Comfort food, including dressing and greens, is evident in every dish he prepares. 

His dedication to consistency and quality has made Living Fresh Market's hot bar a favorite among customers. 

“People want good quality food. Once they taste it, the experience will draw them here," Chef Tucker emphasized. "I put pride and love in it and have my worship music on. I praise God, giving him the highest glory, because everything good comes from him. He is number 1. That’s the secret to our success.”

Chef Tucker is excited about the upcoming St. Patrick's Day special. On Monday, March 17, 2025, customers can look forward to a special corned beef and cabbage dish. This festive meal will surely be a hit, adding to the impressive lineup of dishes at Living Fresh Market's hot bar.


For information about Living Fresh Market, visit the company’s website at https://livingfreshmarket.com/. To arrange an interview with Chef Renard Tucker or Ms. Melody Winston, contact Jerry Thomas at (312) 804-7999. jerry@jerrythomaspr.com. Pictures and videos are available.


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