Chef Wayne Hooker
Chef Wayne Hooker is the founder, owner and culinary inspiration for Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou located at 63 Liberty Street, Springfield, MA 1996. At that time Chef Wayne realized that of all the culinary experiences offered in Springfield and the surrounding communities, Cajun cuisine was not on the list. For 23 years, The Big Mamou has been a destination for many offering made to order Cajun inspired dishes that have been featured on The Phantom Gourmet, profiled in U.S. Airways Magazine and the comic strip “Nancy”, and local newspapers. Chef Wayne has appeared in local television broadcasts and can be seen on You Tube. Chef Wayne has received every accolade the region can offer for his work as a Chef, and restaurateur. The Big Mamou appears as #1 in the lower pioneer valley – based on customer reviews and feedback – on yelp and trip advisor. Chef Wayne is no stranger to business start-ups, having been co-owner and head chef to several other successful eateries including but not limited to The Big Mamou in Williamsburg, MA., Simply Southern, Hartford, CT, Pioneer Brew Pub, The Hungry Pelican – just to name a few. His newest venture, Cajun on the Go will allow him to build on the success, branding, and reputation for food quality and consistency he created with The Big Mamou adding new twist to the menu and again, finding an underserved niche in the food take-out and delivery market. Chef Wayne is President of WIL Inc. d/b/a Cajun on the Go.