How Many Restaurants Does Art Smith Have?

Art Smith Restaurants: Key Takeaways

• Art Smith owns 7 restaurants, all located within the United States.
• His portfolio focuses exclusively on casual dining and fast-casual concepts, with no Michelin-starred venues.
• Signature concepts include Homecomin', Art and Soul, and Southern Art and Bourbon Bar, emphasizing Southern-inspired and farm-to-table cuisine.
• Partners for site locations include notable venues like Disney Springs, Navy Pier, and Orlando International Airport.

Chef Art Smith is a celebrated culinary figure known for his warm Southern hospitality and approachable dining experiences. His restaurant portfolio, though modest in size, highlights his commitment to casual and fast-casual dining featuring Southern and farm-to-table cuisine.

This article explores how many restaurants Art Smith owns, their locations, types, and culinary focus from classic Southern comfort food to health-conscious fast-casual menus.

Art Smith Restaurants: Global Presence and Restaurant Count

As of 2025, Chef Art Smith owns a total of 7 restaurants, all located within the United States. His footprint includes a blend of casual dining and fast-casual concepts focusing on Southern cuisine and farm-to-table ingredients.

Unlike many celebrity chefs who have expanded internationally or franchised their brands, Art Smith chooses to keep ownership direct and concentrate on quality and authenticity in select locations. His restaurants are spread across key US cities and iconic venues, enhancing their appeal through partnerships with reputable locations.

Note: All restaurants are fully owned by Art Smith. There are currently no franchised or licensed locations.

Michelin-Starred Flagship Restaurants

As of 2025, Art Smith does not own any Michelin-starred restaurants. His culinary focus centers on creating warm, inviting, and approachable dining experiences rather than fine dining or haute cuisine.

Smith’s strength lies in presenting authentic Southern flavors in accessible casual dining environments, favoring farm-to-table principles and locally sourced ingredients over the haute culinary prestige that Michelin stars represent.

For insights on how Michelin stars influence restaurant success and trends, consider reviewing statistics on Michelin-starred restaurants.

Notable Art Smith Restaurant Concepts and Locations

Art Smith’s restaurant concepts reflect his commitment to Southern cuisine and farm-centric ingredients translated into approachable, comfortable dining. His outlets include a mix of casual dining and fast-casual venues, each with a distinct identity yet unified by quality and simplicity.

"Homecomin'" Restaurants

Homecomin' is Art Smith’s flagship casual dining concept located in Orlando, Florida. It specializes in Southern comfort food made with farm-to-table ingredients, serving classic dishes such as fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and moonshine cocktails.

The venue features a warm, inviting atmosphere with an emphasis on sustainable sourcing and authentic regional recipes. Prices typically range from $15 to $35 per person, making it accessible for families and tourists alike.

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"Reunion"

Located in Chicago, Illinois at the iconic Navy Pier, Reunion presents Southern-inspired cuisine with a modern touch. This single-location casual dining restaurant serves classic dishes and seasonal menus designed to highlight Smith’s roots.

The venue benefits from Navy Pier’s high foot traffic and tourism, blending familiar Southern flavors with an upscale waterfront setting. Prices are comparable to Homecomin', typically $15 to $35 per person.

"Sunshine Diner"

Sunshine Diner is a retro-style casual dining spot based in Orlando International Airport. It offers a quick yet satisfying dining option with Southern comfort classics and breakfast favorites for travelers.

Prices range from $10 to $25 per person, positioning it as an affordable, convenient eatery on the go while providing quality and flavor distinctive of Art Smith’s culinary brand.

"Blue Door Kitchen & Garden"

In Chicago, Illinois, Blue Door Kitchen & Garden represents Smith’s farm-to-table vision with a focus on seasonal American cuisine. Located in a cozy setting, it combines fresh, locally sourced ingredients with refined but approachable Southern culinary techniques.

Pricing ranges around $20 to $40 per person, slightly higher but reflecting the fresh ingredient focus and culinary execution standards.

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"Art and Soul"

Art and Soul, located in Washington, D.C. inside The Liaison Capitol Hill hotel, features modern regional cuisine with Southern accents. It blends Smith’s Southern heritage with innovative techniques to serve both traditional dishes and contemporary plates.

This casual dining restaurant caters to both locals and travelers, with prices ranging from $20 to $40 per person.

"Southern Art and Bourbon Bar"

Situated in Atlanta, Georgia at the InterContinental Buckhead, Southern Art and Bourbon Bar offers Southern-inspired cuisine alongside an extensive bourbon selection.

This concept highlights regional cocktail culture and hearty Southern fare in a refined casual dining environment, priced between $20 and $40 per person.

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"LYFE Kitchen"

LYFE Kitchen in Palo Alto, California is a departure from Smith’s Southern-centric brands, focusing on a health-conscious fast casual menu. All dishes are under 600 calories, catering to dietary-conscious diners without sacrificing flavor.

Its price range is modest, from $10 to $20 per person, making it competitive in the fast-casual market while benefiting from Smith’s culinary input.

Art Smith Restaurant Empire: Conclusion

To summarize, Chef Art Smith owns seven restaurants exclusively in the United States that emphasize Southern traditions, farm-to-table ingredients, and casual dining experiences. His concepts cover a range from quick casual airport diners to full-service casual venues in major metropolitan areas.

While none of his restaurants currently hold Michelin stars, Art Smith’s strength lies in creating authentic, welcoming environments focused on flavor and hospitality rather than gourmet accolades. By retaining full ownership without franchising, he maintains control over quality and brand integrity.

With partnerships in notable sites like Disney Springs, Navy Pier, and major airports, his restaurant empire enjoys high visibility among tourists and locals. Art Smith’s portfolio reflects a niche expertise in Southern-inspired cuisine within approachable and well-located venues, making his brand distinct within the landscape of celebrity chefs.

Overall, Art Smith’s restaurant count may be smaller than some peers, but his impact on American casual dining and his dedication to authentic Southern culinary traditions constructs a meaningful and celebrated empire.

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Meanwhile, those interested in culinary careers in similar venues might explore the career path and interview tips for a chef or sous chef to understand the skills required behind the kitchen.

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