Meet Ben Coffin:
A Culinary Journey Rooted in Tradition
Born and raised in Guthrie, Oklahoma, Ben Coffin grew up as one of seven children on his family’s farm, surrounded by the bounty of nature. The Coffin family orchard was home to thousands of peach trees, apples, cherries, asparagus, and an array of berries—where the art of growing, harvesting, and selling fresh produce was a way of life. This early connection to food, from farm to table, sparked the beginnings of Ben’s passion for the culinary arts.
After high school, Ben pursued his passion for hospitality by attending Oklahoma State University, where he earned a degree in hotel and restaurant management, along with a business minor. His journey then took him across the pond to London, where he studied at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu and earned their Grand Diplôme in cuisine and pâtisserie.
While in London, Ben honed his craft at Purita Hyam, a renowned wedding cake specialist, where he created stunning chocolate wedding cakes—sometimes preparing up to twenty cakes a week. His talent also landed him a role with Julia Robinson Catering, where he served British nobility at Arundel Castle, including Lord and Lady Arundel, the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, Rowan Atkinson, and several BBC presenters.
Upon returning to the U.S., Ben launched Bispo Distinctive Dining, a unique dining concept offering a changing weekly menu for an intimate, gourmet experience. Afterward, he brought his expertise to Oklahoma State University, where for 10 years he managed The Ranchers Club, a high-end steakhouse, and oversaw Celebrations Catering, which handled all the campus’s catering needs.
Though his family's restaurant, Granny Had One, has since closed its doors, Ben continues the family legacy through his catering and baking company of the same name. Specializing in off-site catering and custom-made specialty cakes, Ben brings his decades of experience and a love for crafting memorable meals to every event.
Ben’s dedication to giving back extends beyond the kitchen. For over 15 years, he has been actively involved with God’s Food Bank, serving on the board and supporting the local pantry’s mission to fight hunger. When he's not cooking, Ben enjoys beekeeping, pottery, and tending to his small cattle farm.
Whether he’s experimenting with new flavors from his travels or drawing on the wholesome recipes of his family’s farm, Ben Coffin is committed to crafting meals that are as memorable as they are delicious.