TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

I’m Chef Darrick Tucker Jr., a chef, educator, entrepreneur, and lifelong believer in the power of food to bring people together. My culinary journey is deeply rooted in my Southern heritage and the lessons I learned from family, food, and community. Those roots eventually became the foundation for Southern Roots by AG LLC, where I specialize in Southern comfort food, smoked meats, catering, personal chef experiences, and bringing people together around the table. My philosophy has always been simple: food should tell a story, create memories, and bring family and community closer together. That belief is at the heart of everything I do. Alongside running Southern Roots, I’m passionate about developing the next generation of culinary professionals. As a culinary and hospitality educator and an active member of the American Culinary Federation, I have the opportunity to share not only culinary skills, but also the professionalism, discipline, creativity, and heart that it takes to succeed in this industry. Whether I’m cooking for a crowd, teaching a student, serving from the Southern Roots food trailer, or working with my community, my goal remains the same: bridging the gap between food and family, one plate at a time.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR business

Southern Roots by AG LLC is more than a food business—it’s a celebration of family, heritage, community, and the memories created around a great meal. Founded by Chef Darrick Tucker Jr., Southern Roots was born from a desire to honor his Southern heritage and the culinary traditions passed down through generations of family. What began as a passion for cooking and bringing people together has grown into a multifaceted culinary business offering food trailer service, catering, private chef experiences, pop-ups, and community-focused culinary events. At Southern Roots, we specialize in Southern comfort food, smoked meats, and dishes that are familiar, flavorful, and made with love. We believe great food doesn't have to be complicated—it just has to be prepared with purpose, passion, and respect for the people you're serving. But our mission goes beyond the plate. Southern Roots is about creating experiences that bring people together. From serving families at community events to providing memorable meals for private celebrations, we strive to create the kind of food experiences that people remember long after the last bite. Our motto, “Bridging the Gap Between Food and Family,” represents everything we stand for. Whether we're serving from our food trailer, catering an event, cooking in someone's home, or supporting our local community, Southern Roots is committed to using food as a way to connect people, celebrate culture, and create lasting memories. Southern Roots isn't just about where our food comes from—it's about where our heart comes from.