Southern Smoke Festival 2026 Tickets Are On Sale Now

Join us for an unforgettable experience of incredible food, drinks, and community on Saturday, October 3. This year, almost 100 celebrated chefs, beverage professionals, and hospitality visionaries will come together for an afternoon of world-class bites, libations, live music, immersive experiences, and more, all to raise critical funds for emergency relief and mental health support for food and beverage workers nationwide.

Small Icon Times Hover Small Icon Times
Bob
Chef Image
Bennett
Ann Arbor, MI /
Zingerman's Roadhouse
WHERE WILL I BE COOKING:
The Throwdown

Bob was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He began working in restaurants in his mid-twenties, developing a passion for restaurant culture and energy, particularly at Zingerman’s Deli. In 2003, he played a key role in opening Zingerman’s Roadhouse and has been working his way up since then. Since 2017, he has served as the executive chef at the Roadhouse. Bob’s interests include a deep love for southern foodways and a strong commitment to supporting local agriculture in and around Michigan.