About Us

Chicago born and raised artist.  Singer/songwriter, photographer, and most importantly, CHEF Daniel Hammond has dedicated his entire life to the arts (That includes culinary!). Growing up learning to hone his culinary skills in the kitchen with his family was always a plus.  At the age of 15 he showed heavy interest in grilling and barbecue putting an emphasis on how to create something special and different from the heavy sauce laden BBQ he was used to from the local restaurants.  

​ As years went by he was known among his family and friends as a grill master.  Slowly but surely not realizing that his potential was being reached to its fullest.  He began trying new methods of cooking.  Understanding seasonings and how to get the best out of any meat that was on the grill. In 2013, after being asked countless times by his peers to cook for their events due to his sought after flavor.  Thus SMOKY SOUL BARBECUE WAS BORN!  He debuted his BBQ to the masses as a caterer, also working and curating his own menu in local restaurants!  This helped build the BUZZ!!!  Pitmaster/Chef Hammond has curated what he calls "The History of Chicago, on a plate."  emphasizing the rich history of Chicago's presence in the meat industry.  From the Union Stock Yards all the way to the evolution of South Side BBQ being introduced and solidifying the term "Chicago Style BBQ" he has turned it all into culinary excellence (especially with those Chicago style Rib tips) with what has already been dubbed as "The Best BBQ in the MIDWEST!" 

He is one of the most sought after pitmasters in Chicago.

In 2021 He was awarded the "Preserve The Pit" grant from KINGSFORD in their celebration of African Americans in barbecue. In 2022 after working as a special education teacher as his 9 to 5 for 12 years, he took a step out on faith and decided to dedicate his time to BBQ on a full time basis! In 2023, Daniel was featured in articles in the Chicago Tribune as well as Bronzeville Life Magazine; both articles discussed the rising revolution of BBQ in Chicago. Pitmaster Daniel is well known on social platforms as a content creator, BBQ influencer and brand ambassador for another BBQ giant and Chicago based company WEBER! As well as brand ambassador for Illinois based companies THE SPICE HOUSE and BOOS  BLOCKS (John Boos Co.)   Paving his own path from the ground up, into one of the top BBQ caterers in the region, and planning his own possible restaurant opening for 2024,  the future is even brighter than the present!