Chef Marcus Middleton is the owner of Keoni’s Takeout Kitchen, a beloved Charleston spot known for soulful Lowcountry flavors rooted in Gullah Geechee tradition. A Charleston native, Marcus trained formally at culinary school from 2012–2014 before sharpening his craft in some of the city’s top kitchens, including Cypress, The Ordinary, and the legendary Hominy Grill. He also worked under celebrated Gullah Geechee chef BJ Dennis, an influence that shaped his approach to heritage cooking and cultural storytelling through food.
Today, Marcus leads Keoni’s with a commitment to bold flavor, community connection, and authentic Southern hospitality. Through his takeout kitchen, food truck, and catering experiences, he brings elevated, deeply personal Lowcountry cuisine to diners across the city—one memorable plate at a time.
