Chef Jim Smith

Chef Jim Smith is the Executive Chef and Owner of The Hummingbird Way Oyster Bar in Mobile, AL.  The Hummingbird Way opened January 7, 2020 and is committed to serving the best local and sustainably sourced foods available.  Smith served as Executive Chef of the State of Alabama for 8 years.  As the state chef, he has placed an emphasis on Alabama ingredients and made strides to support Alabama farmers and fishers. He used his position to be an ambassador for Alabama foods, to promote farmer’s markets, and events that support Alabama food products. 

In 2011 he was crowned the King of American Seafood by winning The Great American Seafood-Cook-Off and became the national spokesperson for Alabama Seafood, American Sustainable Seafood, Gulf Seafood and the NOAA.  As the winner he traveled the country educating Americans about the benefits of sustainable seafood.  

Chef Smith also serves as the Chairman of The Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission.  In his position as Chairman, Chef Smith is proud to be a part of the great work being done to promote Alabama Seafood.  He is also a Chef Advocate for Wild American Shrimp.  He has been working closely with The James Beard Foundation for years as a Boot Camp for Policy and Change Alum and supporter of James Beard Foundation’s Smart Catch Sustainable Seafood and Scholarship Programs.  The Hummingbird Way was awarded the Smart Catch Leader Award by the James Beard Foundation in 2022 and 2023.  He is also an active member of the Independent Restaurant Coalition.  In 2022 Chef Smith was appointed as an advisory committee member of The Dauphin Island Sea Lab.        

Chef Smith is best known for his appearances in seasons fourteen and sixteen of the Bravo television cooking competition show, Top Chef.  Smith finished in the top ten and was a fan favorite.  He is very proud of the time he spent on Top Chef and how he represented himself and the state of Alabama.