Rasheeda Purdie is the chef and founder behind Ramen by Ra, the country’s first Black woman-owned ramen shop, located in New York City. Blending Japanese ramen traditions with American breakfast and Southern influences, Rasheeda has carved a lane all her own, building a brand rooted in ritual, innovation, and cultural storytelling.

Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, The New Yorker, and Eater. Before becoming a chef, Rasheeda spent years as a fashion stylist — a background that informs her detail-oriented approach to hospitality, design, and brand building.

What began as a pandemic pop-up has evolved into a full-scale experience where every seat is reserved, every bowl is intentional, and every touchpoint reflects a higher standard. Rasheeda is committed to mentorship, sustainability, and shifting how we gather — one bowl at a time.