Chef Braunda Smith: Turning Hardship into Delicious Success

Braunda Smith never imagined that she would be a successful chef and businesswoman. As a military wife, she moved around frequently and had to deal with the challenges of adjusting to new environments and raising her children alone while her husband was deployed. But her love for cooking and determination to provide for her family led her to become a culinary entrepreneur and the owner of her own icehouse.

Growing up in Georgia, Braunda learned the art of cooking from her mother and grandmother. She developed a passion for creating delicious meals and experimenting with different ingredients. With a mix of southern and Cajun influences, she was able forge her way into a style of cooking that made sense to her. After getting married to her husband, who was in the military, she found herself constantly on the move. She often had to leave her jobs and start over in a new city every few years. However, she never let these setbacks deter her from pursuing her passion for cooking. She used these as opportunities to learn and adapt her cooking to reflect everywhere she’s been. Now, her cooking is influenced by both her homegrown roots and international travels.

In addition to her love of being a mother, Braunda knew she had other dreams as well. She had always been intrigued by the idea of owning her own restaurant or food establishment. After remarrying and her kids grown up, her desire just kept getting bigger. In 2018, she stumbled upon her big chance in San Antonio, and she took it head on. With the help of her family and friends, she spent months renovating the icehouse and transforming it into the Lucy Cooper’s Ice House it is now. The 21+ bar has quickly become a hit in the community, with a location both in San Antonio as well as New Braunfels. Lucy’s features a mix of classic bar eats and innovative style fusions that reflects Braunda's creativity and passion for cooking.

The success of Lucy Cooper’s has not gone unnoticed. Braunda has been featured in local and national media outlets, including a spot competing on Food Network’s Chopped and Guy’s Grocery Games. She is also a candidate for the 2023 UNESCO City of Gastronomy Chef Ambassador Program for San Antonio. San Antonio is one of only 2 cities in the United States that has this designation.

For Braunda, the journey to success has not been easy. She has faced numerous challenges along the way, including financial struggles and the demands of being a mother. But through it all, she has remained focused on her goals and committed to providing for her family. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of pursuing one's passions, no matter what obstacles may arise.

Braunda is now using her success to give back to her community. She is involved in various charitable initiatives, including providing free meals to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also mentors other aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs, sharing her knowledge and expertise with those who are just starting out. Chef Braunda Smith's journey from military wife to icehouse mogul is a true inspiration. Her passion for cooking and determination to succeed have led her to achieve her dreams and make a positive impact on her community. Her story shows that with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of creativity, anything is possible.