Darryl Settles

2018

Culinary Community Champion Award

In his multiple leadership positions within the Boston business community, Darryl Settles focuses on investing in Boston’s future through real estate development and business consulting where he has successfully fused his passions for music and hospitality by transforming unique concepts into acclaimed events and establishments (Slade’s Bar & Grill, Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen, Beehive Restaurant and Bar, and Bob’s Southern Bistro). While building a successful real estate development career, he founded the Beantown Jazz Festival in 2001, built it into one of Boston’s most inclusive and diverse annual events, and ensured its success by turning it into an institution now operated by Berklee College of Music. His newest venture is Catalyst Ventures Development, a real estate and development company based in the Fort Hill section of Roxbury. We honor him this year for championing the interests of the minority business community, in particular the restaurant industry, through his long-standing and nuanced work with the mayors of Boston, as well as his energetic involvement in his hometown of Newton and activism on state-level boards and organizations. When we think about the powerful ways in which food builds and sustains community, we consider Darryl Settles one of New England’s few Master Chefs.