Chef Art Smith is a prominent American chef known for his Southern-inspired cuisine and his longtime work as Personal with Television Media Star Oprah Winfrey and her world famous guests from President Mandela the British Royal family. His appearances on television shows like “Top Chef” and “Iron Chef America”, “Chopped”,Nailed it and ABC Lady Gaga Thanksgiving Special “A Very Gaga Thanksgiving”.Born in 1960 in Jasper, Florida, a 7 generation Floridian with Sharon ancestors. Smith developed a passion for cooking at an early age, learning traditional Southern cooking techniques from his mother and grandmother.

He began his culinary career working in various kitchens,”The Greenbriar Resort and “The Magic Kingdom College Program”, including Chef to two Florida Governor’s. He served as Martha Stewart Party Chef for her Magazine for 4 years. In 1997, he became the personal chef to Oprah Winfrey, a position he held for about 10 years. During his time with Winfrey, he gained widespread recognition and Ms.Winfrey presented on national television as her Chef which gave him international recognition as a celebrity chef.

In 2003, Chef Art Smith opened his own restaurant, Table Fifty-Two, in Chicago, which quickly became a hotspot for Southern cuisine lovers and a galaxy of celebrities from Beyoncé say to several Presidents. He has since opened several hotel restaurants, including Art and Soul in Washington, D.C., and Southern Art and Bourbon Bar in Atlanta, Georgia.

Beyond his restaurants, Chef Art Smith is also a cookbook author, philanthropist, and advocate for healthy living. He has written several cookbooks, including “Back to the Table: The Reunion of Food and Family” and “Back to the Family.” Additionally, he is involved in various charitable endeavors, including his organization Common Threads, which promotes cooking and nutrition education for children.

Chef Art Smith’s cooking style is rooted in Southern traditions but often incorporates modern twists and global influences. He is known for his flavorful dishes, emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and commitment to sharing his love of food with others.

In 2016, Chef Art Smith continued to make waves in the culinary world with the opening of Homecomin’ restaurant in Disney Springs. This new establishment marked a homecoming of sorts for Chef Art Smith, as it brought his renowned Southern cuisine back to his roots at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Homecomin’ celebrated the flavors of Chef Art Smith’s upbringing in the South, offering guests a taste of traditional Southern comfort food with a modern twist. The restaurant’s menu featured classic dishes like fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and buttermilk biscuits, all prepared with the chef’s signature attention to detail and emphasis on quality ingredients.

Located in the heart of Disney Springs, Homecomin’ quickly became a popular dining destination for visitors seeking authentic Southern hospitality and mouthwatering cuisine. The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with its innovative take on Southern cooking, made it a favorite among Disney guests and food enthusiasts alike.

The opening of Homecomin’ further solidified Chef Art Smith’s reputation as a culinary pioneer, showcasing his ability to create memorable dining experiences that resonate with people of all ages. With its success, Homecomin’ continues to be a beloved fixture in the vibrant culinary landscape of Disney Springs, inviting guests to come together and enjoy the comforts of home in a magical setting.

Chef Art Smith is the only Disney Cast member to open a business with Disney in the world.

Art Bird, was born and is the “Love Child” of International Pop Star Icon Lady Gaga,a quick casual restaurant, opened its doors in July 2018. It quickly gained attention for its delicious comfort food offerings and the collaboration between Chef Art Smith and the Germanotta Family. The restaurant offers a range of dishes given Chef Art Smith’s background. With the involvement of the Germanotta Family, which includes Lady Gaga’s father, Joe Germanotta, there is inspiration from Italian cuisine as well. It’s exciting to see collaborations like this in the culinary world! Today there are 38 Art Bird locations in Live Nation venues.

In 2022, Chef Art Smith expanded his culinary empire with the opening of Reunion at Navy Pier in Chicago. This new venture marked a significant milestone in his career, bringing his distinctive Southern-inspired cuisine to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. With its prime location and reputation for exceptional cuisine, Reunion at Navy Pier quickly became a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant further solidified Chef Art Smith’s status as a leading figure in the culinary world, reaffirming his commitment to bringing people together through the shared enjoyment of food and hospitality.

Reunion at Navy Pier offered diners a unique dining experience, combining Chef Art Smith’s signature flavors with stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. The restaurant showcased his culinary expertise, featuring a menu that celebrated the diverse flavors of the American South while incorporating seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

With its prime location and reputation for exceptional cuisine, Reunion at Navy Pier quickly became a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant further solidified Chef Art Smith’s status as a leading figure in the culinary world, reaffirming his commitment to bringing people together through the shared enjoyment of food and hospitality.

He recently purchased The Chicago Hounds Professional Rugby Team. Chef Art is the only Chef owner of a pro sports team in America and the world.Together they are creating the best sports food,opening at world famous “Time Out Market”,Chicago this spring 2024.

He continues being a Dad raising 4 kids and his not for profit www.commonthreads.org his healthy kids cooking program and is a Diplomatic Chef to Madam US Ambassador Randi Charo Levine of Portugal, along with other world US Embassies.