Mike Randolph is the owner/chef of Público, Privado and Half & Half in St. Louis. Chef Randolph was recognized as a 2016 and 2017 James Beard Best Chef: Midwest semifinalist, and Público was also a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in 2016. Known for experimenting with different flavors and textures through a variety of cuisines, Randolph enjoys playing with peoples’ preconceptions of taste.

Originally from Cincinnati, Randolph received training from New England Culinary Institute, after which he worked at Peninsula Grill in Charleston, and Michelin-starred Moto and M. Henry in Chicago. Since his arrival in St. Louis (his wife and business partner Liz's hometown) in 2008, Randolph has opened his wildly popular, breakfast/brunch restaurant, Half & Half, which offers traditional breakfast options, as well as interesting dishes that push the bounds of the a.m. meal. The duo will open a second Half & Half location this summer in Webster Groves, MO. Next came, Público, his Latin-inspired, wood-fire cantina restaurant, offering traditional Mexican and South American dishes with contemporary influences. In Fall 2017, he opened his most ambitious concept to date with Privado, a culinary idea house. The weekends-only redefines fine dining in St. Louis with a 12-15 course tasting menu with only 16 seats.