Discover Local Delights: Chef Jasmine Norton Elevates Dining at Bloomberg Student Center

Jasmine Norton has fond memories of her first oyster experience at just 7 years old. Her father, who worked at the Maryland Transit Administration, would bring home fresh shellfish. Watching him shuck the oysters and add hot sauce and lemon juice was a delight for her. Years later, she opened The Urban Oyster in Baltimore’s Hampden neighborhood, becoming the first Black woman to own an oyster bar in the U.S. Now, she’s set to launch a food stall at Johns Hopkins University’s new Bloomberg Student Center.

Norton grew up near the university, and she never imagined owning a business in partnership with such a respected institution. “It’s thrilling and an honor,” she says. “Johns Hopkins means so much to the community.”

The Urban Kitchen, her new food stall, will offer a variety of dishes, including smoked brisket banh mi, oyster mushroom fritters, and broccoli Caesar salad, alongside burgers and chicken sandwiches.

Norton started her culinary journey working for an audio-visual company, where she mingled with many chefs. Their passion inspired her. The Urban Oyster first gained attention during a pop-up at R House, where they hosted dollar oyster nights. This success led to a growing customer base, especially among Johns Hopkins students.

Being the first Black woman to open an oyster bar is a significant milestone for Norton. She hopes it encourages more women and people of color to enter the restaurant industry. “The food industry is male-dominated, and we need more diverse voices,” she says.

Recently, Norton received a surprise nomination for the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic. As a self-taught chef, this recognition was a validating moment for her and boosted her confidence in her culinary skills.

Norton is enthusiastic about her food stall’s community aspect, recalling how student centers serve as gathering spots. She envisions a lively atmosphere and is excited to see everyone enjoying the space. Originally, she planned to launch Urban Kitchen in D.C. but pivoted to this opportunity at Johns Hopkins.

Through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, hosted by Johns Hopkins, Norton learned essential business skills. “It taught me to work on my business, not just in it,” she explains. The program also provided valuable networking opportunities that helped her connect with other entrepreneurs.

To aspiring restaurateurs, she offers this advice: support local businesses. “Local food tastes better because we care about our community,” she says. Norton is dedicated to making Baltimore a culinary destination and hopes to inspire others to join her on that journey.

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