Let’s Get Chef Gator Rolling Again

If you know Jermichael “Chef Gator” Smith, you know he’s one of the most genuine people you’ll ever meet — a chef with big flavors, a big smile, and an even bigger heart. He’s built his life around feeding others, and now it’s our turn to help feed a little strength back to him and his family.

Gator’s Story

Before COVID hit, Gator worked as a grill cook at the U.S. EPA campus in RTP, serving breakfast and lunch to the folks there every day. On the side, he picked up painting and janitorial jobs — always grinding and saving to build something of his own.

In 2019, he decided to take the leap. He bought a Ford F-250 diesel and a gently used food trailer — putting down $7,000 and paying it off over several years. He was ready to launch his food truck business that fall.

Then COVID hit, and everything shut down before he could really get rolling.

He waited it out, stayed patient, and once things started opening back up, he finally started hitting his stride — building up Gator on the Grill, his dream food truck, and connecting with the community through his cooking. But in August 2022, just as things were starting to take off, Gator was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer.

He started treatment in October 2022 — three months of chemotherapy, followed by a year of immunotherapy. The treatments helped for a while, and the cancer in his lungs eventually calcified. But soon after, doctors found a mass in his brain that had to be removed. He made it through that, too, with the same grit and determination he brings to everything he does.

Now, in 2025, Gator is facing another uphill climb. The cancer has returned — this time showing up in his head and spine. He’s currently undergoing an advanced treatment called Tarlatamab, a newer form of immunotherapy. The treatment itself isn’t painful, but it takes a serious toll on his body. His immune system is fragile, and hospital stays have become part of his new normal.

Through all of this, his wife — who’s also his business partner — has been holding everything together. She’s been paying the mortgage, bills, and even his business loan, all while supporting him through every appointment and hospital visit.

A Setback — and a Plan

Recently, Gator had a small accident that broke the axle on his food trailer. At one point, he thought about selling it just to make ends meet. But deep down, he doesn’t want to let go of the dream he’s worked so hard for. Once he’s done with treatment, he wants to fix the trailer and get back out there doing what he loves — serving good food to good people.

About Gator on the Grill

If you’ve ever eaten at Gator on the Grill, you know exactly why people keep coming back. His menu is packed with crowd favorites — from Philly cheesesteaks and loaded fries to shrimp tacos, quesadillas, and fresh salads — all cooked with that signature Gator touch: big flavor, perfectly seasoned, and made with love.

The reviews say it all — folks rave not just about the food, but about the man behind it. Gator has a way of making everyone feel like family, one plate at a time.

You can learn more at gatoronthegrill.com.

How We Can Help

We’re raising funds to help ease some of the pressure on Gator and his wife and get his food truck ready for a comeback.

Here’s how the funds will be used:

- Repair the trailer axle and get it road-ready again

- Pay down his Square business loan (which his wife has been covering alone)

-Restock the trailer so he can get back to work when he’s healthy

It will give them some breathing room during treatment and set Gator up for success once he’s ready to return.

Why I’m Organizing This

Gator rents space in my commercial kitchen, and over time he’s become much more than a tenant — he’s a friend. He once asked me why I was doing this for him, and the answer’s simple: because he’s the kind of person who deserves for people to show up.

He’s faced every setback — cancer, COVID, even the busted trailer — with quiet strength, humor, and heart. Now it’s our turn to lift some of that weight off his shoulders.

Let’s Rally for Gator

Cancer has tried to slow him down, but it’s never taken his spirit. Let’s come together to help Gator and his wife through this fight, get his trailer fixed, and set him up to get back out on the road doing what he loves most.

Whether you can donate, share, or just send some encouraging words — it all helps.