Chef Andrew Gruel is a restaurateur, television personality, and outspoken advocate for food freedom and entrepreneurship. Best known as the founder of the award-winning Slapfish restaurant chain, Gruel has become a national voice for small business owners and chefs navigating the intersection of food, policy, and personal responsibility.
A frequent media guest and judge on shows like Food Network’s “Food Truck Face Off,” Gruel also gained attention during the pandemic for his bold stance against government overreach in the restaurant industry. His unapologetic support for individual liberty and small business resilience has made him a respected figure beyond the kitchen.
Gruel is an active supporter of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, where he champions cleaner food systems and greater transparency in what Americans eat. His message is clear: nourishing the nation starts with empowering people to make healthier, freer choices—from the farm to the fryer.
