Renowned Baltimore chef Sammy Davis Jr., a celebrated winner of the popular cooking competition “Chopped,” is joining forces with Miskiri Hospitality Group to launch a new brunch venue in South Baltimore.
Davis is set to take over the former location of Papi Cuisine at 2 E. Wells St., where he plans to open a restaurant named Sunday Social around mid-July, as reported by the Baltimore Business Journal.
Papi Cuisine, which closed its doors last August, shifted its operations to its sister restaurant, Proper Cuisine, located in downtown Baltimore.
Sunday Social aims to create an inviting atmosphere that embodies the essence of Sunday brunch all week long, offering a menu filled with “mouthwatering dishes and delightful drinks” for guests to enjoy, as stated on their Instagram account.
Davis made his mark on “Chopped,” where he narrowly missed the top prize but made a triumphant return during an all-runners-up episode, dazzling the judges with dishes like sweetbread wonton tacos, gochujang and root beer lamb stir-fry, and a basil fruit salad accompanied by a creamsicle shot. He ultimately clinched victory on his birthday during this comeback episode.
At the time of his appearances on “Chopped,” Davis was serving as the executive chef at CR Lounge, which has since closed its doors.
Davis’s culinary journey began with the opening of his first Milk and Honey restaurant in Atlanta, subsequently expanding the Southern Louisiana-inspired dining experience to both the Maryland and D.C. regions. He and co-owner Monique Rose eventually sold the brand in 2020.
In 2024, Davis launched Yeiboh Kitchen in the Old Goucher neighborhood of central Baltimore, featuring a menu that blends Asian and American flavors with a Southern twist, according to the restaurant’s website. He sold his stake and stepped away from the business earlier this month.
Reflecting on this transition, Davis expressed on Instagram on June 5, “While this chapter is closing, the next one is just beginning. I’m excited to dedicate my energy to the projects and partnerships that will shape the future of my brand.”
Given Davis’s impressive track record in brunch dining, there is optimism surrounding the future of Sunday Social. Earlier this year, readers of Baltimore Magazine voted Yeiboh Kitchen as the “Best Brunch” spot in the city, surpassing well-known favorites such as Miss Shirley’s Cafe and Cece’s Roland Park.
Miskiri Hospitality Group manages a variety of dining establishments in Maryland, D.C., Virginia, and Ohio, specializing in dishes inspired by Creole and Southern cuisines.
