Isaac Flomo is mixing his Liberian roots and his creativity to feed pro athletes throughout the Twin Cities.
EAGAN, Minn. — Great athletes are built in the gym and on the field, but for many, the path to winning starts in the kitchen. For several Minnesota professional athletes, one chef has become the secret ingredient behind their success.
Meet Isaac “Flo” Flomo, a Minnesota native with Liberian roots who brings bold flavor and heart to every dish he prepares.
“It’s been a blessing,” he said, a phrase that sums up his journey from home cook to in-demand personal chef.
Cooking runs in the family.
“It just started with my mom,” Flo explained. “Every time we were home, she was always cooking… everybody knew to call my mom.”
Growing up in that environment sparked something in him, and eventually he realized he had a talent worth sharing.
Flo began posting photos of the food he made, and the response was immediate: “People were like, ‘Let me get some. Can I get some?’ I was like… ‘Why not?’”
It didn’t take long before he realized this could be something bigger.
Demand skyrocketed. Sometimes more than he expected.
“I had Vikings players pulling up to my house in foreign cars,” he recalled. “Patrick Peterson used to come pick up food from my house. That was a crazy experience.”
Knowing it was time to expand, Flo teamed up with two friends, Joseph Tarwai and Eddie Adegeye, and launched his own food truck.
“They always told me, ‘Flo, you’ve really got something. Whenever you’re ready, let us know.’ The fact that they believed in me…I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m ready. Let’s do it.’”
Flo also practiced fine-dining techniques through holiday specials and private dinners. Soon, that extra effort paid off.
When Flo isn’t working the truck, he’s usually spending time with some of Minnesota’s best athletes. He’s the personal chef for Vikings offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw, cooking for him nearly every day.
“It’s amazing,” Darrisaw said. “His food was just great, and I knew I wanted a chef and someone who could learn what I like and prepare meals for me.”
Flo met Darrisaw years ago by simply introducing himself in a store.
“I told him, ‘Hey, I’m a chef. I cook good food.’ He was like, ‘For sure. What’s your Instagram?’”
Eventually, Darrisaw offered him the chance that changed everything.
“He really instilled confidence in me… I appreciated that ever since.”
Their bond grew quickly and in their own words, they became like family.
“That’s my brother,” Flo said. “Not even ‘like.’ That’s my brother, for real.”
“Flo’s the guy. We are kind of like brothers now. I love him,” said Darrisaw.
Flo also played a critical role during Darrisaw’s recovery from a torn MCL and ACL.
“I really wasn’t wanting to eat during the surgery,” Darrisaw recalled. “Having him there helped a lot. I appreciate him for that.”
Since working with Darrisaw, Flo has connected with more athletes across Minnesota. He now cooks for Timberwolves players Terrence Shannon Jr., Jaylen Clark, and Rob Dillingham, while also preparing meals for Vikings stars like receiver Justin Jefferson and quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
“He’s cooking for guys on the Wolves, guys on the team… now he has a truck,” Darrisaw said. “I’m proud to be part of that journey.”
Flo appreciates the trust these athletes place in him.
“All those dudes are just cool, genuine people. And just being able to have them trust me… it takes a lot of trust.”
As for what’s next? Flo keeps it simple: “Wherever God takes me.” And wherever that is, he’s confident it’s going to be good.
Flo’s Mac and Cheese Recipe:
1/2 gallon of half n half
3 (8 oz) blocks of your favorite cheese (I use Cheddar and Smoked Gouda)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 lb shredded cheddar cheese
Season with salt, chicken bouillon, onion powder, and garlic powderMelt your butter in a pan and bring to medium heat.Once simmering, add your seasonings into the sizzling butter.Add the 1/2 cup of flour into the butter and stir for about 3–5 minutes to make a roux.After that, add your half n half and bring to a slight boil while whisking so it doesn’t clump up.Once your half n half starts boiling, it will begin to slightly thicken. Add your cheese mix (excluding the shredded mozzarella and cheddar).Turn your stove off and keep whisking the mixture until you get a nice smooth consistency. That’s the hardest part done!Boil elbow noodles to your liking. Once drained, add noodles to a baking dish and mix in the mozzarella cheese.Once your mozzarella is mixed in, pour in your cheese sauce and mix that as well.Top with the shredded cheddar cheese, and put into a 375° oven for 15–20 minutes or until the top is golden.
Dining and Cooking