Chef Jason Smith wiki/bio, gay?, wife, kids, net worth, a personal life held close to his chest.

Jason Smith is an American chef, home baker, entrepreneur, and television personality who first caught the public’s eye when he won the thirteenth season of Food Network’s Food Network Star. Before that big break, he had already turned heads as the winner of the third season of Holiday Baking Championship, where his creative and accessible desserts stood out.

A self-taught chef with a strong Southern influence, Jason is known for his easygoing style and budget-friendly recipes that anyone can try at home. His journey started long before television, working as a school cafeteria manager while perfecting his craft in his own kitchen. That hands-on experience helped shape the practical, down-to-earth cooking approach he’s known for today.

Along the way, Jason became a familiar face on Food Network, not just as a competitor but also as a judge and mentor. He’s appeared on shows like Best Baker in America, Christmas Cookie Challenge, Holiday Wars, and Worst Bakers in America, offering guidance and encouragement to up-and-coming bakers. He’s also widely recognized by his signature catchphrase, “Lord Honey,” which reflects both his personality and his Kentucky roots.

his biography explores how Jason Smith went from a home cook to a household name—tracing the experiences, values, and flavors that have shaped his culinary journey, along with a closer look at the personal life behind the public persona.

Early Life and Background

Jason Smith was born on December 16, 1977, in Laurel County, Kentucky. Raised in a tight-knit family, he spent his formative years immersed in the values and traditions of rural life in southeastern Kentucky. These early experiences would later influence both his personal and professional path.

A significant influence in Jason’s upbringing was his maternal grandmother, known as Granny Creech. Beginning at the age of six, he regularly joined her in the kitchen, where she introduced him to the fundamentals of Southern cooking. Through hands-on experience, Jason learned traditional recipes and techniques that became the cornerstone of his culinary foundation. In later reflections, he credited her with fostering his early interest in cooking and imparting valuable life lessons.

Jason’s parents, Bill and Connie Smith, have also played a supportive role throughout his life. Married for over five decades as of 2025, their longstanding partnership reflects the stable family environment in which Jason was raised. He also has a brother, Marc Smith, with whom he has shared public acknowledgments over the years.

While his culinary skills were developed informally at home, Jason pursued formal education in a different field. He studied Cosmetology at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College. Despite not attending a culinary school, he continued to develop his cooking abilities independently—skills that would later shape his identity as a self-taught chef and television personality.

Career as a Chef

Jason Smith’s culinary journey began in his hometown of Grayson, Kentucky, where he worked as a school cafeteria manager and local caterer. Though he had no formal culinary training, his skills in the kitchen were shaped by hands-on experience and a deep-rooted passion for food passed down through generations. His professional background also includes work as an event planner and floral designer, culminating in his induction into the Kentucky Floral Association Hall of Fame in 2016.

Jason’s identity as a self-taught home baker became a defining feature of his brand. Known for his Southern charm, colorful wardrobe, and signature expressions, he has become easily recognizable in the culinary world. His rise to national prominence began in 2016 when he competed in Season 3 of Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship. His inventive desserts, such as bourbon pecan pie cake and eggnog cream pie with gingersnap crust, earned him the $50,000 grand prize and the title of Holiday Baking Champion.

Building on that success, Jason joined Season 13 of Food Network Star in 2017. Competing against 12 other aspiring chefs, he impressed both judges and viewers with elevated Southern dishes like fried chicken with cornbread waffles and smoked salmon cheesecake. His warm personality and distinctive catchphrase, “Lord Honey,” became a hallmark of his on-screen presence. His win on Food Network Star cemented his reputation as a culinary talent and charismatic host.

Television Career

Following his competition wins, Jason Smith transitioned into a prominent television role. From 2018 to 2021, he served as a judge on Best Baker in America, where he evaluated high-level baking talent over multiple seasons. He was also featured as a guest judge on Worst Cooks in America and Christmas Cookie Challenge, and appeared in Holiday Wars and Haunted Gingerbread Showdown, further showcasing his expertise in seasonal and holiday-themed baking.

In addition, Jason appeared in The Best Thing I Ever Ate, where he shared standout culinary experiences as the 2017 winner of Food Network Star. His appearances on The Kitchen and other Food Network programming have allowed him to share cooking tips, recipes, and insights with a broad audience.

In 2024, Jason returned to competition as a contestant on The GOAT, appearing in 10 episodes and expanding his reach beyond culinary-specific shows. He has also built a strong digital presence through his website and social media platforms, where he continues to engage fans with new recipes and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his life and work.

From school kitchens to national television, Jason Smith’s career reflects a blend of authenticity, skill, and on-screen charisma. His story continues to evolve as he takes on new roles in the culinary entertainment world while staying true to his roots.

Authorship

Chef Jason Smith is the author of the cookbook Lord Honey: Traditional Southern Recipes with a Country Bling Twist, which was released on August 28, 2023. The book highlights his signature style of combining classic Southern flavors with a colorful, creative flair he describes as “Country Bling.” It features a range of recipes including indulgent desserts, savory comfort foods, and entertaining tips rooted in his Kentucky heritage.

In addition to his cookbook, Jason maintains an active blog where he shares original recipes, cooking advice, and personal reflections. His writing has also appeared across various platforms including the Food Network’s official site, regional publications like The Courier-Journal, and lifestyle outlets such as The Christian Post. Through these contributions, Jason continues to reach audiences who appreciate his accessible approach to Southern cuisine.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

In addition to his culinary and television career, Chef Jason Smith is actively involved in philanthropy and community advocacy, particularly around childhood nutrition and access to healthy meals.

Since 2017, Jason has served as a fundraiser for No Kid Hungry, an organization focused on ending childhood hunger in the United States. He frequently raises funds and promotes awareness in support of expanding access to nutritious meals for children, a cause he has publicly expressed support for through statements and ongoing volunteer work. As he has stated, “I believe every child deserves a great start in life and a good meal is that start, so I raise funds and send to No Child Hungry as often as I can.”

His involvement also extends to the School Nutrition Association, where he has participated since 2009. He first engaged with the organization during his time as a school cafeteria manager and has held positions within the Kentucky chapter, including Manager and Assistant Director.

Jason is also connected to the North East Dairy Association, where he supports regional agricultural initiatives and dairy nutrition outreach.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Jason Smith’s estimated net worth ranges between $1.5 million and $2 million. His income is primarily derived from television appearances, cookbook sales, brand collaborations, and public engagements. In addition to prize winnings from major Food Network competitions, his digital presence and media contributions continue to support a steady financial profile.

Social Media Presence

Chef Jason Smith is on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. He also has a blog where he shares his recipes, tips and stories. He has appeared on various television shows and online platforms such as the Rachel Ray Show, Pickler & Ben, Home & Family, The Best Thing I Ever Ate and LEX18 News.

Personal Life

A quiet married life?

Jason Smith may be a lively and familiar face on social media, but he tends to keep his personal life out of the spotlight. He hasn’t publicly said whether he’s married or in a relationship, and he usually keeps the focus on his career rather than his romantic life.

This low profile has naturally sparked curiosity among fans, but Jason hasn’t addressed speculation about his relationship status or orientation. As of now, he hasn’t been publicly linked to a partner and isn’t known to have children.

One of the few glimpses he has offered into his personal circle came in a 2017 social media post, where he referred to a woman as his “best friend.” While he didn’t share further details, the post reflected a close and meaningful friendship.

For the most part, Jason prefers to let his culinary career take center stage. His decision to keep his personal life private allows him to maintain a clear boundary between his public persona and the life he leads off-camera.

Physical Traits:

Chef Jason Smith has a standing height of 5 feet 8 inches. He has white skin, hazel eyes, and dark brown hair. He often wears glasses and colorful clothes that match his personality. He likes to accessorize with hats, scarves, bow ties and aprons.

Wiki/Bio Facts:

Name	Jason Smith
Birthdate	December 16, 1977
Age	47 years old
Birthplace	Laurel County, Kentucky, United States
Nationality	American
Parents	Not Known
Gender	Male
Sexuality	?
Profession	Chef, Baker, Businessman, Television Host
Net Worth	Between $1.5 million and $2 million
Relationship Status	Likely single
Spouse/Partner	Not Known
Children	None
Eye Color	Hazel
Hair Color	Dark Brown
Height	5 feet 8 inches
Zodiac	Sagittarius