OUR STORY
Raised in The Bahamas, Lise Russell spent sunny school years here, and summers in Canada. Over the short Canadian growing season, her mother cultivated an enormous garden. From this harvest and Ontario farmers markets, Lise developed a discerning palate.
After graduating from St. Andrew’s School in Nassau, Lise earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics with a Minor in Business from the University of Western Ontario.She tried several investment stints, but her heart led her back to university for a Culinary Arts degree.
Returning to Nassau, Lise joined Goodfellow Farms as Chef in 2003. Leveraging farm-to-table hospitality and access to great ingredients, she anchored the restaurant as a premier culinary experience in western Nassau.
Then in 2010, she opened her own business, Chives Cafe, on Blake Road. The new restaurant emphasized fast, fresh, affordable meals.
Her guests loved the breezy patio, shaded by pergolas and scented herbs. The variety of lunch offerings and healthy take-home meals quickly made Chives a hotspot for the community center and nearby working professionals.
Now married with two young daughters, Lise’s also developed meals for Delivery, becoming a lifeline for busy, working parents. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she expanded Chives To Go, serving the entire island of New Providence.
In 2025, Chives moved further west into a renovated warehouse near Lyford Cay. A purpose-built kitchen provisions The Marketplace with hearty,
take-home meals, while the new location offers both indoor and al fresco dining.
Lise’s culinary style is creative, essential, and unpretentious.
Inspired by core childhood memories and treasured family recipes, her food expresses the conviction that everyone deserves nourishing, peaceful meals.
that make each day delicious.
“Not all of us can do great things.
But we can do small things with great love.”
Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu
Mother Teresa
OUR TEAM
Like our salad greens, this team is locally sourced, bright, fresh, and a little spicy!
CHIVES CARES
Chives has worked closely with Hands For Hunger, supporting their vision for a healthier, hunger-free Bahamas. Lise is passionate about empowering children and families through creative nutrition.
Chives also supports kind initiatives of The Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled, BAARK, and the Bahamas Humane Society.
WORK WITH US
We’re always looking for fresh talent, special people who make Chives a great place to work, and who would love to grow their career with us
If you love crafting or working around great food, we’d love to hear from you
To explore opportunities with us, please email chivescafe@gmail.com or drop off your resumé.