Dontaye Ball

Dontaye Ball, Chef, Entrepreneur, and Community Leader. Dontaye Ball, also known as "Mr. Gumbo," is the visionary chef and founder behind *Gumbo Social*, a celebrated restaurant and catering brand in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood. With a mission to make gumbo America’s national dish, Ball has transformed his passion for Creole and Southern cuisine into a movement that connects culture, community, and comfort food. A graduate of San Francisco State University, Ball has over two decades of culinary experience, blending his love of food with social impact.

Through Gumbo Social, he’s created jobs, mentorship opportunities, and a platform to showcase the flavors of the African American South within the heart of San Francisco. Beyond the kitchen, Dontaye serves as President of the Bayview Merchants Association, where he advocates for small business growth, equitable economic development, and cultural celebration. His leadership has helped revitalize Bayview’s business ecosystem through initiatives like the Bayview Business Passport, National Gumbo Week, and the Bayview Business Summit. Ball’s work embodies the belief that food is more than sustenance—it’s a story of legacy, resilience, and unity. His commitment to community empowerment and culinary excellence continues to inspire a new generation of chefs and entrepreneurs.