Chef Wayne Hooker Scholarship

Chef Wayne G. Hooker Culinary Scholarship Fund

Supporting culinary students across Western Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Honoring a Springfield culinary legend whose life was defined by great food, generous spirit, and lifting others up.

Laissez les bons temps rouler

Learn His Story
CHef Wayne Hooker A man smiling and holding a glass of whiskey in a restaurant with colorful wall decorations.
Scholarship
the fund
the board
the legacy
the chef

Good Food. Good Vibes. Great Man.

The story of Chef Wayne G. Hooker — Springfield’s culinary legend and champion of Western Massachusetts food culture.

Chef Wyane Hooker wearing a white apron and black t-shirt is grilling small sandwiches on a barbecue grill outdoors, with greenery and stacked stones in the background.

Chef Wayne G. Hooker, a beloved figure in the Springfield, Massachusetts culinary community, passed away on November 11, 2025. Known for his talent, generosity, and deep commitment to mentoring others, Wayne left a lasting imprint on both the local food scene and the people he worked with.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Wayne graduated from Weaver High School and continued his culinary training at Goodwin College. He began his career as a chef and caterer, building a reputation for both technical skill and a distinctive creative approach. In 1996, he opened Chef Wayne's Big Mamou on Liberty Street in downtown Springfield, a restaurant that became a local institution and operated successfully until 2020 - earning recognition from the Phantom Gourmet and city leaders alike. In 2019, he expanded his entrepreneurial efforts by partnering with his wife, Lisa, and Chef Ivan Felix to launch Cajun on the Go. Most recently, he served as a consultant for The Mamou on Worthington Street.

Chef Wayne was known not only for his mastery across multiple cuisines, but especially for the personal flair he brought to Cajun and Southern cooking. His philosophy was simple: deliver good food, friendly atmosphere and good vibes. Just as important was his dedication to people — he took pride in mentoring aspiring chefs and supporting others in building careers in the culinary arts. His impact on the Western Massachusetts community spanned over 25 years.

Chef Ivan Felix of The Mamou in Springfield MA. Male chef headshot with kitchen background

From His Protégé

“I am Chef Ivan Felix, a Springfield, Massachusetts native who had the honor to meet Chef Wayne G. Hooker — not only my mentor but a deeply cherished member of my family and the guiding force behind my professional career. During our seven-year tenure together at Chef Wayne's Big Mamou and our 2019 partnership in Cajun on the Go, he taught me the artistry of Creole cuisine and the true meaning of hospitality.”

the chef
the fund
the legacy
the board
Scholarship
Various photos of Chef Wayne Hooker and Big Mamou

His Legacy, Their Future

The Chef Wayne G. Hooker Culinary Scholarship Fund is being established through the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts to honor this legacy. The scholarship will support students pursuing vocational technical culinary training as well as community college students committed to advancing careers in the food industry. By investing in emerging talent, the fund aims to continue Wayne's lifelong commitment to mentorship and opportunity.

Scholarship awards will be made annually, accompanied by a community gathering to celebrate recipients and their achievements. Contributions to the fund will open through the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and The Mamou on Worthington Street in Springfield, MA.

When Chef Ivan Felix opened The Mamou in Springfield to honor his legacy, Chef Wayne served as consultant, consistently encouraging him to "show them who you are." That spirit lives in everything this scholarship stands for.

Investing in Western Massachusetts culinary talent through scholarship and opportunity.

Chef Wayne Hooker and founder Lisa Wyatt-Hooker, one wearing glasses, embrace each other in an outdoor setting with blurred warm lighting in the background.

“On November 11, 2025, my husband, Chef Wayne Hooker, passed away. He was a visionary, a Springfield icon, and a larger-than-life personality who introduced Cajun cuisine to Western Massachusetts and beyond. His protégé, Chef Ivan Felix, and I would like to continue his legacy by supporting future generations of culinary professionals through this scholarship in his name.”

- Lisa Wyatt- Hooker
Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship, Founder

Chef Wayne G. Hooker with Lisa Wyatt-Hooker and Chef Ivan Felix outside Cajun on the Go, Springfield Massachusetts

"To honor his lifelong commitment as a trailblazer and to nurturing talent, I am proud to support the Chef Wayne Hooker Culinary Scholarship. This initiative is designed to empower aspiring local chefs with the mentorship and technical skills that Chef Wayne so generously shared with me. We aim to ensure his vision lives on through every future chef this scholarship inspires.”‍ ‍

- Chef Ivan Felix
The Mamou
Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship, President

the chef
the fund
the board
the legacy
Scholarship

Apply For the Scholarship

Scholarship information: Apply. Qualify. Get Funded.

The Chef Wayne G. Hooker Culinary Scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors from Springfield Public Schools and Hartford Public Schools who are pursuing a future in culinary arts, hospitality, food service, or a related field. Applications are reviewed annually by the Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship Committee.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Applicant must be a current high school senior graduating in the current academic year.

  • Must be a student graduating from Springfield Public Schools or Hartford Public Schools

  • Applicant must plan to pursue postsecondary education and/or a career in:

    • Culinary Arts

    • Hospitality

    • Tourism

    • Food Service Management

    • Nutrition

    • Event Planning

    • Or another closely related career field

  • All finalists agree to an in-person interview by the Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship Committee

  • Must attend Scholarship Acceptance reception (date TBD)

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

Applicants must submit two (2) letters of recommendation:

  • One (1) letter from a teacher, counselor, or school administrator.

  • One (1) letter from a non-school adult who knows the student well, such as:

    • Family member

    • Coach

    • Pastor or faith leader

    • Employer

    • Mentor

Unofficial transcript

  • If your transcript is not a good reflection of your ability, please attach a brief typed explanation of extenuating circumstances (academic challenges, personal hardships, health issues, etc.).

Unofficial high school attendance record

  • If your attendance record is not a good reflection of your ability, please attach a brief typed explanation of extenuating circumstances (academic challenges, personal hardships, health issues, etc.).

Video Submission (1–3 minutes):

  • Applicants must submit a brief video introducing themselves and sharing their passion for culinary, hospitality or related field. The video should include:

    • A personal introduction

    • A statement of career goals

    • A short explanation of why this scholarship is important to you

    • A meaningful moment or experience that inspired your interest in the field

    • (Optional) A brief demonstration of a culinary skill

      Phone recordings are accepted. Videos do not have to be professionally edited.
      Clear audio and good lighting recommended.

Apply Now
Apply now

The People Behind the Purpose

  • Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship founder A woman with glasses and earrings smiling in a dark blue dress with silver embellishments.

    Lisa Wyatt-Hooker

    FOUNDER
    Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship

  • Chef Ivan Felix, culinary professional and protégé of Chef Wayne G. Hooker, Springfield Massachusetts Mamou

    Chef Ivan Felix

    BOARD PRESIDENT
    Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship

  • Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship Board Member A smiling woman with glasses, earrings, and dark hair, wearing a denim jacket and light blue scarf against a neutral background.

    Dr. Tuesday Cooper

    BOARD SECRETARY
    Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship

  • Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship Board Member A smiling man dressed in a gray checkered suit and black shirt, posing against a neutral background.

    Andrew Corbin

    BOARD TREASURER
    Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship

  • A man with glasses and a bandana on his head, wearing a black shirt and apron, smiling and showing his watch, standing against a plain background. Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship Board Member

    Chef Kevin Cousin

    BOARD MEMBER
    Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship

  • Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship Board Member A woman with long, wavy dark hair and purple eye makeup smiling at the camera.

    Areecia Ward

    BOARD MEMBER
    Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship

  • Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship Board Member Close-up portrait of a woman with braided black hair, wearing pearl earrings, a cross necklace, and a sleeveless top with thin straps, standing against a plain gray background.

    Lauren Hooker

    BOARD MEMBER
    Chef Wayne G. Hooker Scholarship