When Michelle and Darrell Morris first stepped into the space at 8207 Long Point Road, they saw more than just an opportunity—they envisioned a vibrant gathering place where people could connect, create, and celebrate through food. That vision became Well Done Cooking Classes, a warm and welcoming culinary hub in the heart of Spring Branch.
As a proud Black-owned and family-run business, Well Done Cooking Classes has grown into a beloved fixture in the community. This Black History Month, the Spring Branch Management District is proud to highlight Michelle and Darrell’s contributions, not just as entrepreneurs but as creators of memorable experiences that bring people together over the joy of cooking.
Michelle’s journey into the culinary world was anything but typical. She began selling luxury appliances and noticed many customers left the packaging on their ovens because they didn’t know how to use them. As she worked with the appliances, she connected with their potential and discovered her love for cooking. Ready for a change of pace, Michelle proposed a bold idea to her employer: send her to culinary school so she could teach clients how to use their kitchens. The idea paid off, and she became the company’s first corporate chef, blending her passion for food with education.
When her corporate job unexpectedly ended, Michelle considered it a blessing in disguise. It pushed her to focus on her own dream, which led to her launching her catering company, Southern Cadence Cuisine, and ultimately expanding into interactive cooking classes.
“Our classes are very non-intimidating,” Michelle emphasizes. We want everyone to feel relaxed and have a good time.” Students can explore menus inspired by cuisine from across the globe, learn to bake breads, French macarons, and even bring children to kids’ camps, where they roll out pasta dough while discovering a world of different flavors.
Adults are welcome to bring their own beverages or choose from a carefully curated wine list. Family Nights and Date Nights allow parents, kids, and couples to share fun-filled moments in the kitchen. “Bring your friends, your family, your partner, or just yourself—anyone who loves food should feel welcome here,” Michelle says.
Darrell, brought a wealth of expertise to their venture with an MBA from Rice University, where he focused on entrepreneurship and finance. He regularly told colleagues, “I’m going to acquire a business when I graduate.” That ambition found its match when they discovered Well Done Cooking Classes. “It was like the previous owners got it up the hill, and we just needed to push it forward,” Darrell explains. They acquired Well Done in 2018 and decided on Spring Branch as its new home—a neighborhood they called home. They loved Spring Branch for its growth, foot traffic, and diverse community.
Working so closely as husband and wife does come with challenges. “People always say, ‘I could never work with my spouse!’” Michelle admits, but the couple makes it work by clearly defining roles. “At the beginning, we had a come-to-Jesus meeting,” Darrell recalls. “We decided: ‘You’re on first, I’m on second. You handle certain decisions, and I handle others. We’ll come together for the big ones.’” They also rely on frequent communication, especially in the rare quiet moments they manage to find in a busy household with two kids. Trusted staff and standardized processes help keep the business running smoothly so Michelle and Darrell have time to focus on family life.
When in-person classes abruptly halted during the pandemic, the couple refused to give up. Instead, they got creative. They shifted to online cooking classes, shipping groceries nationwide and hosting remote team-building events for companies looking to reconnect their employees virtually. For local clients, they offered doorstep deliveries of fresh ingredients. This adaptability reflected their resilience and strengthened their bond with the Spring Branch community.
Looking ahead, Darrell and Michelle plan to expand Well Done Cooking Classes into multiple locations. “We want to get to ten locations in five years,” Darrell says, acknowledging the challenges ahead but also the excitement of building something meaningful. “It’s like making gumbo,” Michelle jokes. “You’ve got to keep stirring the roux until you get it just right.”
Despite the ambition and rapid growth, Well Done Cooking Classes remains a family business at heart. Michelle and Darrell hope their story inspires others to pursue their dreams, whether those dreams center on the kitchen or any other passion. They see their success as an opportunity to uplift the neighborhood and highlight the innovative spirit within Spring Branch.
“In today’s world, we have so much stuff but not enough experiences,” Michelle says. “I want people to create memories with their loved ones—memories that last.” She invites anyone searching for a fun new pastime or a unique date night to book a class at Well Done Cooking Classes. It’s a place to learn, share laughter, make new friends, and go home with a new favorite recipe.
As a local Black-owned business with deep roots in family and community, Well Done Cooking Classes is ready to serve Spring Branch for years to come.
Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned chef, everyone is welcome to roll up their sleeves, chop some veggies, and find joy in every dish they create together.
To discover more or book a class, visit WellDoneCC.com stay up to date on upcoming news @welldonecc on Instagram.