About Us

Daniel Hammond – Pitmaster, Educator, BBQ Historian, and Founder of Smoky Soul Barbecue Chicago

Chicago-born and raised artist, singer/songwriter, photographer, and most importantly, Chef Daniel Hammond has dedicated his entire life to the arts — including the culinary arts. Raised in a family that celebrated food and togetherness, Daniel began developing his cooking chops early. By age 15, he found his true passion in the fire and smoke of the grill. Determined to create something unique and authentic, he strayed from the heavy, sauce-laden styles common in local restaurants and began developing his own signature approach to barbecue.

Over time, Daniel became known among friends and family as “the grill master,” slowly mastering seasonings, wood combinations, and heat control techniques. In 2013, after years of requests to cook for friends’ events and family gatherings, Smoky Soul Barbecue was born. He launched his brand with pop-ups and catering and curated menus in local restaurants, building a loyal following that recognized his ability to turn Chicago's food heritage into unforgettable meals.

A self-taught pitmaster with deep roots in South Side Chicago, Daniel has curated what he calls "The History of Chicago, on a Plate." He emphasizes the city’s meatpacking legacy — from the Union Stock Yards to the evolution of “Chicago-Style BBQ” — and has become a leading voice in reclaiming and documenting the early origins of African American barbecue culture. His celebrated Chicago-style rib tips, smoked jerk chicken, and Stock Yard Brisket are tributes to the city’s cultural and culinary legacy.

In 2021, Daniel was awarded the Kingsford “Preserve the Pit” grant, honoring African Americans making their mark in barbecue. In 2022, after 12 years as a special education teacher, he took a leap of faith to pursue BBQ full time. Since then, he’s been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Bronzeville Life Magazine, and Midwest Living Magazine, where he’s discussed the emerging Chicago BBQ movement and his mission to put the city back in the national conversation.

A brand ambassador for Weber Grills, The Spice House, and Boos Blocks, Daniel has expanded his presence as a content creator, YouTuber (Second City Smoke), and BBQ influencer. He’s also the founder of the BBQ Legacy Academy, a free summer program that introduces youth ages 13–17 to barbecue fundamentals, culinary careers, and entrepreneurship. He leads a women’s barbecue series called Smoke, Spice, and Everything Nice, blending education with empowerment in the spirit of “paint and sip” classes — but with fire and flavor.

Daniel is also the force behind the Brisket & Barrels Series, a pop-up BBQ and beer pairing experience hosted in collaboration with Chicago breweries.

Whether catering for corporate giants, teaching students how to light their first grill, or sharing the little-known truths of BBQ history, Daniel Hammond is redefining what it means to be a pitmaster. With a deep respect for legacy and a bold vision for the future, he continues to build one of the most dynamic and respected barbecue brands in the Midwest.