Our Team

A young man wearing glasses and a light green traditional African shirt, standing outdoors with blurred green foliage in the background, smiling with hands clasped in front of him.

Chef Serigne Mbaye

Born in Harlem, raised in Dakar and at home in New Orleans, Chef Serigne has cooked at Commander’s Palace, Atelier Crenn and Atelier Joel Robuchon. In 2021, he was named Eater NOLA Chef of the Year. In both 2022 and 2023, Chef Serigne was nominated for a James Beard award.

A woman in a colorful dress sitting on a carved wooden throne in a room decorated with traditional African masks and art.

Dr. Afua “Effie” Richardson

A board-certified pediatric dentist by training and a hostess by inclination, Dr. Richardson was born in Pennsylvania of Ghanaian parents. As Managing Director and co-owner, she is the backbone of Dakar NOLA’s front of house operations.

A smiling man with a bald head and a beard, wearing a black suit and a white shirt, with a patterned tie. Background features African masks and artwork.

Keenan Goldsmith

General Manager

A woman smiling with a green apron and red head wrap, standing in front of African masks hanging on a wall.

Shardé Cole

Pastry Chef / Executive Sous Chef

A portrait of a middle-aged Black man with a shaved head, wearing a green shirt and a lanyard, standing in front of African tribal masks on the wall.

Derek Sims

PM Sous Chef

Smiling man with dreadlocks and a beard, wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and black tie, in a warmly lit indoor setting.

Imani Pittman

Sommelier

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“We cook to nurture the soul. That saying is on the back of the shirt worn by every cook in the restaurant. Every soul needs healing, and food is the best way to heal.”

— Chef Serigne Mbaye

A person wearing a green T-shirt with the text 'We cook to nurture the soul' and a heart graphic with the word 'Dakar' on it, sitting at a table with plates of food.

Our Values

Dakar Nola prides itself on a commitment to authenticity, infusing each dish with the rich cultural heritage of both Dakar, Senegal and New Orleans, Louisiana. We are dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients, and fostering a warm, inviting atmosphere to create an immersive dining experience. We place a strong emphasis on a supportive and collaborative work environment, valuing the contributions of each team member. Our commitment to employee growth, respect, and a shared passion for culinary excellence creates a workplace where our community thrives.

Interested in joining our team?
Email us at hello@dakarnola.com