With 40 years of culinary experience and 15 years of competitive accolades, Chef Danny Smith, is an Army Veteran and self-taught chef from Murrells Inlet, SC. He has established a reputation for excellence. As a Seven-time World Food Championship competitor, Chef Danny achieved a top ten ranking in 2022 & 2024, by focusing on creating unique seafood dishes using the finest, locally sourced ingredients from South Carolina's coastal waters and family-owned farms. He is proud to be competing in the Great American Seafood Cook-off for the 3rd time, after winning the South Carolina Seafood Chef of the Year in 2014, 2019 and 2025.
On his spare time, Chef Danny likes to give back to the community with his love of food by volunteering with CAN - Champion Autism Network, SOW - Special Ops Wounded Warrior, JTF K9s for Vets and Trio Dinner, where he mentors college and high school culinary students.