In episode thirty-four of the Industry Insider Podcast, Andrew sits down with Darryl Bell, chef and owner of Stateline Road Smokehouse, Napa’s first Black-owned restaurant since the 1800s. Darryl shares his journey from growing up in Kansas City, learning to cook for his family at a young age, to honing his culinary skills in France and working under Thomas Keller before launching his own BBQ venture in Napa. He dives into his passion for elevating barbecue with fine dining techniques, his commitment to philanthropy, and how he's building a sustainable, community-focused business.

Episode Highlights:

• From Kansas City to Napa: How Darryl’s early experiences cooking lentils for his family ignited a lifelong passion for food.
• Training Under Culinary Giants: Darryl’s journey through the rigorous kitchens of Thomas Keller’s restaurant group and how it shaped his approach to perfection and discipline.
• Reimagining Barbecue: Why Darryl decided to bring Kansas City-style BBQ to Napa—with a refined, Michelin-influenced twist.
• Building a Legacy: The challenges and triumphs of opening Napa’s first Black-owned restaurant in over a century, and how Darryl is using his platform to give back.
• Philanthropy at the Core: How Darryl’s long-standing commitment to giving—through partnerships with Rafiki Foundation and No Kid Hungry—remains central to his business.

Darryl’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, passion, and staying true to your roots while forging a path forward. Whether you're a food lover, entrepreneur, or just curious about the intersection of fine dining and barbecue, this episode is packed with inspiration.

This episode is brought to you by Cuvée, the go-to app for planning your Napa Valley experience. Follow @NapaValleyInsiderPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content.