Chayil explains where Community Matters Café (https://communitymatterscafe.com/) fits into the mission’s 180-day addiction recovery program. Working in New Orleans kitchens at 12 and matriculating to Charlotte’s Johnson & Wales a decade ago, Chayil is earning recognition from the James Beard Foundation (https://www.wccbcharlotte.com/2025/02/12/chef-chayil-johnson-1-of-3-locally-nominated-semifinalists-for-2025-james-beard-awards/#:~:text=CHARLOTTE%252C%2520N.C.%2520%25E2%2580%2594%2520Executive%2520Chef%2520at,to%2520get%2520back%2520on%2520track.) , Charlotte media (https://www.instagram.com/p/DUOUXZYkfSO/) and industry organizations. Hear how he credits his own hard work and a community of family and global influencers that clearly matter in the food he creates.
This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show (https://lowslowbbqshow.com/blog/carolina-bbq-festival-2026-whats-coming-in-year-5-sweet-lews-bbq-lets-meet-clt/) is sponsored by Carolina Barbecue Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-carolina-bbq-festival-2026-tickets-1977318859938?aff=Lowandslow) for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue.
Visit the Low & Slow Barbecue website here! (https://lowslowbbqshow.com)