Chris Shepherd, Founding Director and Honorary Chairman of the Southern Smoke Foundation, discusses his own evolution as a chef, and the origin story of the organization he started.
As the Southern Smoke Foundation's big fall fundraiser approaches on October 4, 2025, Chris Shepherd--who co-founded the foundation with Lindsey Brown (also his wife)--sits down with Andrew to discuss the crucial, grant-based work the organization does for hospitality professionals. He also shares his own personal story and how cooking became its professional focus, until he shifted gears into the altruistic realm. He also discusses two recent beer collaborations he and the foundation have been involved with: the nonalcoholic Aftershift (with Athletic Brewing Company) and Behind You! Beer (with Roadhouse Brewing).
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