Matthew Raiford is CheFarmer of Gilliard Farms in Brunswick, GA. Matthew grew up surrounded by cooking and a love for food. After a decade in service of our country, he returned and found his way into cooking professionally. We discuss him finding his way to some influential black chefs who changed everything for him. We also talk with one of his #UnsungHospitalityHeroes, Chef Kevin Mitchell, who is working to tell the history of black chefs. The two met just after culinary school and continue to support each other and collaborate to this day.

Website - GilliardFarms.com

Instagram - @ChefarmerMatthew @GillardFarms

First job in the industry?

Piggly Wiggly Deli/Bakery 16 yrs. old Brunswick, Georgia as a deli worker

Proudest moment of your career?

Being nominated for a James Beard Best Chef in the Southeast

Food and/or drinks staples in your house?

Peanut Butter & Jelly and a loaf of bread

Two things most people don't know about you?

I love Roses and am learning how to fly fish

Words to live by?

Every morning in Africa, a Gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a Lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest Gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn’t matter if whether you are a Lion or a Gazelle.... when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.