Stephen James
Founder/Owner/Head Chef
Stephen, the owner and chef at Step's, brings a wealth of experience and passion to his culinary creations. He trained under world-renowned chefs at Disney, including one so acclaimed that people travel globally to dine with him. Stephen's specialty lies in crafting exceptional, allergy-friendly dishes that are as creative as they are flavorful. Among his notable achievements are cooking for an invite-only wine dinner at Club 33, Disney's most exclusive club, which is renowned for its elite membership and the extraordinary dining experiences it offers (Mickey Visit) (WDW Magazine).
Stephen also participated in Delicious Disney, an event at Epcot that celebrates Disney's culinary heritage with unique and high-quality dining experiences. His dedication to using the best ingredients and delivering top-notch customer service ensures that every guest at Step's enjoys an explosion of flavors and a homely, satisfying experience.
Born in Alabama, Stephen's southern roots influence his signature barbecue style, which combines flavors from various southern states to create a unique and delicious fusion. He prioritizes making high-quality food accessible to everyone, welcoming all to enjoy the culinary delights at Step's.
Stephen is a familiar face at the bocce courts in Martinez, serving up breakfast and dinner every week during the season. His vision is to be known for both his outstanding flavors and his exceptional customer service, taking pride in hearing from guests who rave about their dining experiences long after they've left.
This blend of high-end training, southern barbecue expertise, and a commitment to quality and community makes dining at Step's a truly special experience.
