About Chef Bill

Chef Bill McClellan

William McClellan known by most as Chef Bill was born in Chicago, Illinois. While in high school he was introduced to the food industry working at the pioneering restaurant Hamburger Hamlet.

This opportunity led to his first culinary event working at the world's largest food festival, The Taste of Chicago. After his high school graduation, he moved to Baltimore Maryland working for Sisson's Pub and the Baltimore Fish Market, in which he was mentored by renowned Chef Joe Randall who was known as the “Dean of Southern Cuisine,” all while earning his bachelor's degree from Morgan State University. He expanded his culinary experience at prestigious events such as the US Open and the Western Golf Open.

With the inevitable move to Washington DC and a new title as the Executive Chef of Planet Hollywood, he began managing several social events which included the who's who of celebrities and politicians in the DC area. As the executive chef, he hosted several notable events such as the Rib Cook Off, President Bill Clinton's Gala, the Million Mom Gala, AFLAC Beach Party, Howard University Homecoming Alumni Reunion, and the highlighted event America's Millennium New Year Party. Some of his personal menu creations were featured at popular events, the Taste of DC, Safeway Barbecue Battle, Earth Day, Zoo Faire, and Fourth of July celebrations. Working with Cinema Catering led to notable movie premiere events in which he received an opportunity to create a banquet spread for The Country Music Awards. During this time Chef Bill also provided culinary development and employment opportunities for several local area residents such as high school graduates, college students, and second chance citizens.

Chef Bill held the executive chef role for several locations with Ruth's Chris Steak House and Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House, in which he traveled within the company throughout the country training and developing chefs for Sullivans Steakhouse. His reputation in the industry earned him to be featured on an episode of the Food Network and as a celebrity chef for GMAC Food Demo in various cities. Reverend James Meeks also started to acquire his services for several private events in his hometown of Chicago. His signature cheesecakes and bread pudding grew a strong southern following which created new business ventures. He has become a recommended participant for the United Way Gala, March of Dimes Fundraiser, and several supporter events for President Obama's presidential campaigns.

In 2006, his hard work and dedication inspired him to open his catering business Cornbread to Caviar. Chef Bill along with his sister Patricia opened McClellan's at Monarch Café on the northside of Spartanburg SC, in June 2023. In what was an impoverished area, their establishment is now helping with the economic development program for the neighborhood, as well as creating jobs for local area residents. Chef Bill has started a culinary program giving back to the community by teaching and assisting the homeless finding job placement in the culinary industry.