Heather Smith

Heather Smith is an accomplished culinary professional who serves as Executive Chef at Sunrise Social in Uniontown, Ohio. In her role, she oversees kitchen operations, develops creative menu offerings, maintains food safety and cleanliness standards, and manages labor and food costs. With a passion for crafting memorable dining experiences, Heather recently introduced a fall menu featuring innovative dishes such as apple pie-stuffed French toast with butterscotch sauce, pear and Havarti harvest sandwiches, and orchard bacon Benedict with brown butter hollandaise.

Heather’s culinary journey began in her early teens, when she helped her mother with kitchen duties and catering events. Through years of hands-on experience, she developed her skills across various food service settings, working as a pastry baker, server, head baker, and line cook before advancing into leadership positions. At Burntwood Tavern, she earned a promotion from line cook to sous chef within four and a half months, becoming one of the youngest women in the company to reach that level. She later contributed to the opening of Gigi’s in Kent, further expanding her experience in kitchen management and culinary operations.

In addition to her executive chef responsibilities, Heather operates Cakes by Heather, her home-based baking business, where she creates customized cakes, cookies, and cupcakes for special occasions. Largely self-taught, she credits her early family influences, cooking shows, and practical experience for shaping her culinary abilities. She remains committed to continuous learning, refining her techniques, and exploring new ideas in the kitchen. Through her leadership, creativity, and dedication to her craft, Heather continues to bring her passion for food to both restaurant guests and customers who enjoy her personalized baked creations.