More Than a Meal: Chef Eric Wells Is Building Cleveland’s Culinary Future from Cornucopia Place
In a neighborhood too often overlooked, Chef Eric Wells is setting a table for transformation.
Just three miles from where he grew up on Kinsman, Wells is turning Cornucopia Place into more than a culinary venue—it’s becoming a beacon of Black excellence, education, and entrepreneurship. Recently acquired by Wells and infused with his 21 years of culinary expertise, Cornucopia is a homegrown, Black-owned space where anyone can learn to cook, experience fine dining, or be inspired to chase a dream.
“We don’t just cook,” says Wells. “We build confidence. We build careers. We build community.”
A Chef’s Journey Rooted in Love
Chef Wells didn’t take the traditional path. Originally set on a career in journalism, it was the loss of his mother that redirected his life. Using her insurance policy, he enrolled in culinary school—becoming the first African American graduate of the Loretta Paganini program in Chesterland, Ohio. What began as side gigs for coworkers evolved into a flourishing culinary brand, Skyelar Rae’s, bolstered by TV appearances and word-of-mouth acclaim.
But success didn’t pull Wells away from the community. It pulled him deeper in.
Cornucopia Place: The Soul of Something Special
Cornucopia Place isn’t just a venue—it’s an experience. A laboratory of joy, a kitchen of culture, and a classroom for the next generation. Located in Cleveland’s historic Kinsman neighborhood, it’s where soul food meets soul purpose.
Here’s what’s on the menu:
Affordable Friday night cooking classes open to the public, each with a new theme
Chef’s Table experiences — a four-course dinner for up to 8 guests with live cooking and conversation
Private events for birthdays, families, corporate retreats, or community groups
FREE culinary arts training for youth in partnership with Anton Grdina Elementary across the street
Cornucopia is one of the most affordable cooking schools in the city—and the only one of its kind in the heart of the inner city.
“There’s no other space like this on the East Side,” says Wells. “It’s beautiful, it’s functional, and it’s ours.”
From Fresh Produce to Empowered People
At its core, Cornucopia Place bridges the gap between access and ability. In neighborhoods where health disparities are rampant and fast food is easier to find than a farmers market, Wells is teaching people to prepare healthy meals—and love the process.
“You can tell someone to buy kale,” he says. “But if they don’t know how to cook it, they’ll never eat it.”
Wells makes cooking approachable and fun, especially for beginners. And while women make up most of his class participants, he says it’s the men who often surprise him most.
“They walk in with that look—like they were dragged there. By the end of class, they’re all in.”
Supported by Visionaries, Powered by Community
Cornucopia Place is also a quiet triumph of community development strategy. Burten Bell Carr Development Inc., one of Cleveland’s most respected CDCs, gave Wells the space, freedom, and trust to shape Cornucopia in his image.
“They didn’t micromanage me,” Wells says. “They let me lead—with food, with respect, and with heart.”
Together, they’ve created a model: how community development and culinary arts can fuse into something sustainable, empowering, and Black-led.
Here's How You Can Support
📍 Visit Cornucopia Place — Whether you’re celebrating something or just hungry for a new experience
👨🏽🍳 Book a private class or event
🎓 Sponsor a youth cooking session
🧾 Buy a gift certificate
📢 Spread the word. Share the flavor.
👉🏾 Learn more at SkyelarRae’s.com
📞 Call Chef Wells directly at (216) 254-2808
📍 Located in Cleveland’s Kinsman Neighborhood
This is more than food. This is legacy in motion.
Support what’s being cooked up at Cornucopia Place.