Gavin Kaysen is the award-winning chef and founder of Soigné Hospitality Group, known for transforming the Minneapolis dining scene with acclaimed restaurants including Spoon and Stable, Demi, Mara Restaurant and Bar, and Bellecour. Since returning to his Midwestern roots in 2014, he has redefined dining in the region while mentoring the next generation of culinary talent. In 2025, he continued to broaden his impact with his first restaurant outside of Minneapolis: The Merchant Room opened in Naples, Florida as a collaboration with Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort.

He is a two-time James Beard–Award winer (Rising Star Chef 2008, Best Chef: Midwest 2018). He is also the cofounder of KZ Provisioning with Chef Andrew Zimmern, serves as President of Team USA in the biannual Bocuse d’Or competition, and has served as a producer and judge for culinary television (Iron Chef, Bobby’s Triple Threat). He is the author of two self-published books: the cookbook At Home, and the culinary memoir-style collection of essays in The Synergy Series, released in May 2025.

Kaysen lives in Minneapolis with his wife and three sons. In his spare time, he is attending his sons’ sports games, cooking dinner at home, and keeping up to date (with the help of his kids) on all Minnesota professional sports.