Jasmine Norton- Exec. Chef/Owner

 Chef Jasmine grew up in Baltimore, MD and discovered her love for oysters at the tender age of seven. She was introduced to them by her father, with whom Jasmine would regularly enjoy eating oysters with. Her father also taught her to how shuck them very shortly after. 

Her love for adventure and passion for food sparked the creation of her first restaurant concept; The Urban Oyster. Jasmine’s goal is central to her business: to introduce oysters to friends, family and peers who were apprehensive about the texture of raw seafood, specifically oysters.

In 2017, Jasmine opened the first female, Black owned oyster bar in the United States, The Urban Oyster. Her restaurant represents various things; it's a movement for those who prefer quality food in a relaxed and less pretentious atmosphere.

Shortly after opening its doors, The Baltimore Sun nominated Jasmine’s cream of crab soup for the best in the city and in 2019 the restaurant was dubbed The Best Raw Bar by the Baltimore Magazine.

At the height of a global pandemic in 2020, Jasmine opened her second restaurant, The Urban Burger Bar, and quickly received the Best Burger nomination within a few short months after opening. Jasmine was named to the 25 Women To Watch by The Baltimore Sun in both 2019 and 2021. She has competed on Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games and Chopped. She has also been featured on the Cooking Channel for The Urban Burger Bar. In 2021, she created her very own private label of oysters, Ice Aprons™️ slated for distribution in 2024. 

Jasmine’s love of community and food inspires each concept that she creates.