Martha Wiggins brings a deep passion for culinary arts and mentorship to her role as Chief Culinary Officer and Executive Chef at Café Reconcile. A Washington, D.C. native, Wiggins began her culinary journey at age 15 and later trained in fine-dining kitchens in Massachusetts. She moved to New Orleans in 2010, rising to executive chef at Sylvain, where her modern gastropub fare earned accolades from The Times-Picayune, Gambit, Food & Wine, and semifinalist nods from the James Beard Foundation. 

In 2018, she joined The Elysian Bar’s opening team, which was later named one of Bon Appétit's Best New Restaurants. Now at Café Reconcile, Wiggins merges her culinary expertise with a commitment to training and empowering young people. Under her leadership, the café has become a celebrated New Orleans institution, earning a spot on The New York Times 2023 Restaurant List. 

Wiggins is a strong advocate for equity in the restaurant industry and is working to create inclusive, respectful environments that elevate all hospitality workers. “At Café Reconcile, we are not only creating a meal and memorable dining experience. We have the ability to change lives by supporting young people who are chasing their dreams,” said Wiggins. “I’m inspired to craft a culture that empowers young people to acquire the skills that will set them on the path to a career. But equally important is the opportunity for Reconcile to set the example, standard, and expectation for a hospitality industry culture for our community that values and respects all, no matter the position someone holds.” 

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