Chris Shepherd: Southern Smoke Foundation

James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd made his name celebrating Houston’s diverse food culture but his impact hasn't stopped there. In this episode, Chris shares how his passion for cooking evolved into a deeper calling. After witnessing firsthand (and hearing countless stories about) the unique challenges faced by service industry professionals, he founded the Southern Smoke Foundation to support those needs. 

The impact was immediate and Chris hasn't looked back. Chris has stepped away from the restaurant world to focus full-time on the nonprofit, which has since distributed over $14 million to industry professionals in crisis.

We dive deep into stories of resilience, the state of mental health in the food world, and how a collab with Aftershift, brewed with Athletic Brewing, has become a symbol of resilience and recognition for service industry professionals everywhere.