Our Staff: “Chef Joe” Smith

“Chef Joe” Smith

Executive Chef

A native of New Orleans, Chef Joe came to Café Reconcile in 2003 with eight years of local kitchen experience. Though he had initially agreed to help out as a “substitute” chef for two short weeks, he quickly developed a passion for the Reconcile mission, and he has been here ever since. Working with the students and helping them to change their lives has become his calling. As Executive Chef, Chef Joe oversees all kitchen operations. He helps students apply the life skills they’ve learned in the classroom as they also acquire new culinary skills. Chef Joe understands the many obstacles Reconcile students face because he has overcome many of them himself. Through Reconcile’s Construction Training program, Joe and his wife were able to buy their first home, where they are raising their four children, the oldest of whom is now in college.

Contact Chef Joe at: 504-568-1157Email Chef Joe at: chefjoe@cafereconcile.orgReturn toOur Staff