The Heart of The Kitchen: Chef Carlton

Meet Carlton Hamilton

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Chef. Investigator. Storyteller. At heart, I am a creator. Whether piecing together the perfect spice blend or unraveling the details behind a mystery, I’ve always been drawn to the art of precision, instinct, and great food.

At the age of 27, I became co-owner of Just Wings and a Few Other Things, marking the start of my journey as a restaurateur.

 

In 2008, I opened Carlton’s World Famous Chicken and Seafood in Delray Beach, Florida—later expanding to West Palm Beach. The community response was electric. 

 

Carlton’s became my canvas, where technique met tradition, and every dish told a story.  My culinary foundation was built by the inspiration of my mother, Katherine, whose cooking taught me that food made with heart could feed more than hunger—it could feed the soul. Her influence remains the quiet force behind the food I serve.

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Moreover, I sharpened my techniques at the Lincoln Culinary Institute, where I fused inherited tradition with professional training. That unique blend still defines every dish I create.

Interestingly, I also hold a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from South University. Some see food and criminal justice as worlds apart—but to me, they are surprisingly alike.

 

Both require a sharp eye for detail, a deep understanding of human behavior, and an intuitive sense of how elements come together to reveal the truth—whether it’s in a dish or a case file. KatOra’s Catering is more than my business, it’s my purpose. This is where soul food meets soul work. Every gathering we serve is an opportunity to honor legacy, build connection, and craft moments that linger…just like a perfect bite.