Braunda Smith

**Braunda Smith**, also known as "Chef Lucy," is the Executive Chef and Owner of Lucy Cooper's Ice House in San Antonio and New Braunfels, Texas . As a celebrity chef, she has made a name for herself in the culinary world. But she's not just a talented chef, she's a Southern girl with a heart of gold and a thick skin. Alongside her husband, Jesse, she has spent years in the service industry, honing her skills and learning the ins and outs of the business. However, their world was turned upside down when they were unexpectedly let go from the company they had worked for a decade. Despite this setback, Braunda's resilience and determination led her to open Lucy Cooper's Texas Ice House, where she has built a successful career and become a beloved figure in the food industry.

## Personal Life

Braunda Smith's passion for cooking began at a young age when she often found herself in the kitchen preparing warm, homemade meals for her family. While overseas in Korea, she had the opportunity to serve pilots and other members of the military , further fueling her love for food and hospitality. Smith credits her parents for her adventurous spirit, as they once put her and her brother on the Amtrak train to explore the culinary delights of Picayune, Mississippi and New Orleans. personal experiences have greatly shaped her culinary journey and continue to inspire her to this day.

## Career

Braunda Smith discovered her love for cooking at a young age and nurtured it by experimenting in the kitchen. Even though her aspirations took a different turn after she married a member of the US Army  , she never gave up on her dreams. Her passion led her to dive headfirst into the food industry, with a goal to create a platform that would empower others in the culinary world. In 2018, she opened the first Lucy Cooper's Texas Ice House, which quickly became renowned for its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere.

## Appearances on TV Shows

Braunda Smith has made appearances on popular shows like Food Network's Chopped and Guy's Grocery Games, impressing both the judges and viewers with her innovative dishes.

## Charitable Work

Smith is actively involved in various charitable initiatives, including providing free meals to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic . She also takes the time to mentor aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs, showing them that with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of creativity, anything is possible.

## Awards and Recognitions

Braunda Smith has garnered numerous awards and recognitions throughout her culinary career. One notable recognition is her candidacy for the 2023 UNESCO City of Gastronomy Chef Ambassador Program for San Antonio. This prestigious program aims to promote the city's culinary heritage and expertise on a global scale. Being a candidate for this program is a testament to Smith's talent and expertise in the culinary field. It's worth mentioning that San Antonio is one of only two cities in the United States that has been designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, making Smith's candidacy even more impressive.

## References

1. ↑ https://www.sanantoniomag.com/san-antonios-own-chef-lucy-to-compete-on-guys-grocery-games/San
2. ↑ https://disruptorsmagazine.com/top-30-unstoppable-women-entrepreneurs-of-2022/
3. ↑ https://www.sanantoniomag.com/san-antonios-own-chef-lucy-to-compete-on-guys-grocery-games/SanHer
4. ↑ https://thenycjournal.com/chef-braunda-smith-uniting-culinary-excellence-and-empowerment-one-ice-house-at-a-time/
5. ↑ https://thenycjournal.com/chef-braunda-smith-uniting-culinary-excellence-and-empowerment-one-ice-house-at-a-time/
6. ↑ https://thenycjournal.com/chef-braunda-smith-uniting-culinary-excellence-and-empowerment-one-ice-house-at-a-time/
7. ↑ https://www.entrepreneursherald.com/blog/chef-braunda-smith-turning-hardship-into-delicious-success/
8. ↑ https://www.entrepreneursherald.com/blog/chef-braunda-smith-turning-hardship-into-delicious-success/
9. ↑ https://disruptorsmagazine.com/the-story-of-chef-braunda-smith/The