Chef Zachary Smith

Though born outside Texas while his father served in the U.S. Navy, Chef Zachary Smith’s roots have always led back to Waco. His mother’s family was among the area’s original settlers in Bosqueville, and he’s a distant cousin of longtime McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara — connecting him to the region’s earliest history.

Zachary’s cooking celebrates the soul of the South through a modern, inclusive lens. Drawing from West African and Native American influences — the true foundations of Southern cuisine — and layering them with Asian and European techniques, he creates dishes that are both grounded and globally inspired. His food tells stories of heritage, migration, and community, using ingredients that honor the land and the people who shaped it.

Now serving as Chef de Cuisine at Milo All Day, Zachary is helping to guide one of Waco’s most loved kitchens into a new era — one that reflects both the city’s past and its evolving future.

Honored to be included in this again. Voting opens soon!

Is Zachary Smith your Favorite Chef? One chef will win $25k, an advertorial feature in Taste of Home, and a cooking experience with Carla hall.

Just a few of the things I've had the pleasure of making over the years. Credit also to my amazing wife Savvy, who helped a lot with a lot of these dishes!