Stephen Parker

Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, Stephen Parker is a second-generation chef, inspired by both his stepmother and his mentor Michael Fiore. Parker found his passion for cooking as a child, working in the kitchen of his stepmother, chef and restaurateur Nancie Simonet.  

Born in New York and raised in New Jersey, Stephen Parker is a second-generation chef, inspired by both his stepmother and his mentor Michael Fiore. Parker found his passion for cooking as a child, working in the kitchen of his stepmother, chef and restaurateur Nancie Simonet.  

His first taste of professional cooking came while working in various New Jersey restaurants while attending Temple University, and then as a manager for casual dining restaurants while continuing his education at Farleigh Dickinson University, where he earned a degree in Hospitality Management. In 2009, Parker began working under chef and future mentor Michael Fiore in New York City, spending time in Fiore’s restaurants in New Jersey, as well as Brooklyn’s Tempo. A year later, Parker became Managing Partner/Chef for Mascott Corporation in Jersey City at Markers Restaurant, rising in the ranks to eventually becoming the company’s Corporate Executive Chef.  

Today, Parker is Corporate Executive Chef at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, a next-generation burger joint with 18 locations across the globe. Parker works with the innovative brand to oversee menu concepts and development. Parker and the Black Tap team have built a devoted following for their artisanal, award- winning burgers (Black Tap has won both the “People’s Choice Award” and the “Judges Choice Award” at the New York City Wine & Food Festival’s Burger Bash in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2021), array of craft beers, and whimsical CrazyShake® milkshakes.  

One of Parker’s proudest moments in his culinary career was serving as an Executive Chef at Chelsea Clinton’s wedding.