Meet Dakota Landon | Chef & Restaurateur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dakota Landon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dakota, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued a career as a chef because I have always believed that food is more than just sustenance; it’s a powerful medium for connection, creativity, and community. From a young age, I experienced firsthand how meals can bring people together, creating moments of joy, laughter, and shared memories.

For me, the kitchen is a place of collaboration and warmth, where diverse cultures and traditions come together on a plate. I want to create experiences that unite family and friends, fostering a sense of belonging through the shared joy of good food. Ultimately, my passion for cooking is driven by a desire to create not just meals, but meaningful moments that linger long after the last bite is taken.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At What Da Flock, we pride ourselves on delivering a unique culinary experience centered around bold flavors and creative dishes that bring people together. What sets us apart is our commitment to using high-quality ingredients and a focus on sustainability in everything we do.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built and the relationships we’ve formed with our customers. The journey to where we are today has been challenging, with setbacks that tested our resilience. However, by staying adaptable and open to feedback, I learned the importance of perseverance and the power of collaboration.

Our brand represents more than just great food; it’s about fostering connections and creating memorable experiences. We want the world to know that at What Da Flock, we are committed to excellence, community, and creativity in every dish we serve.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We are foodies! Anywhere that has great food and a great vibe…

Breakfast on Flagler at the Mermaid Cafe.

Lunch/Dinner at Avanu, The Bounty, Corkscrew on Canal, Outriggers or AA Garden Fusion.

Beach days, Disney/Universal, or Saint Augustine. Anything is fair game.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother, Shelly, has been a tremendous inspiration in my journey as a self-taught chef. While I learned the art of cooking primarily on my own, it was her love for food and the memories we created around the dinner table that sparked my passion for the culinary arts.

My previous boss, Jim Marshall, the owner of the Mermaid Cafe in New Smyrna Beach, FL. Jim played a pivotal role in my development as a chef by providing me with the creative freedom to explore and innovate in the kitchen.

My previous boss, Stacy Steele, the owner of BREW in New Smyrna Beach, FL. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work under Stacy’s ownership and for the belief she had in me. Her commitment to fostering creativity in the kitchen has left a lasting impact on my culinary journey, and I will always appreciate the trust and support she provided during my time at BREW.

My dear friend, and confidant Crystal Gibson, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Crystal and for her dedication to elevating our business. Her leadership and vision will always be valued and appreciated in our journey together.

Website: https://www.whatdaflocknsb.com

Instagram: chef_koda or Whatdaflock_nsb

Image Credits
Photos done by Kate Owens.