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Super Chef
THE SUPERHERO CHEF: FROM HOMELESS TO STAR RESTAURANT OWNER, DARNELL FERGUSON TURNED HIS LIFE AROUND THROUGH FOOD
After taking a wrong turn down a self-destructive path of drugs and incarceration, a combination of faith, soulful cooking, and guidance from a few ‘superheroes’ pulled the now-celebrity chef back into the light
By Melanie Young
Darnell “superchef” Ferguson has an impressive roster of accomplishments, from cooking for Team USA at the 2008 Summer Olympics to becoming a breakout star contestant on Food Network to opening three hit restaurants.
But his success didn’t come easy.
Born in Philadelphia, Ferguson grew up in Columbus, Ohio, with a single mother. She married when Ferguson was in the fifth grade, and he recalls having a loving childhood and enjoying cooking as a teenager. He moved to Louisville, Kentucky, to study culinary arts, but struggled on his own.
“I could only afford night school and worked a day job at the Dairy Queen. It made me feel disconnected from the other students,” he said. “I needed money very badly, so I started selling drugs.”
Drug dealing landed Ferguson in and out of jail. At one point, he was broke, living in his car, and facing an uncertain future. He sought a path forward through his church, Southeast Christian in Kentucky, and he credits pastor Chad Mosteller for helping him refocus on what he loved doing most: cooking.
“I am never going backward again,” Ferguson said. “I was lost, and my faith in God helped lead me back to find my purpose.”
After working short-order restaurant jobs, Ferguson began launching pop-up breakfast concepts within lunch- and dinner-only restaurants in 2012. His creative takes on waffles, pancakes, and egg sandwiches generated a following. In 2015, at the age of 28, he opened his first brick-and-mortar restaurant: SuperChefs. The restaurant was destroyed in a fire months af-
Ferguson
generated a following for his inventive takes on waffles, pancakes, and other breakfast staples.
The “Southern
egg rolls” at Superhero Chefs are made with mac ‘n’ cheese and fried chicken, and served with a sweet potato sauce.
Ferguson’s big TV break:
competing on Guy Fieri’s “Tournament of Champions” on the Food Network.
DARNELL FERGUSON
Comfort Food:
Mac ‘n’ cheese
Favorite Ingredient to Cook With:
Sugar!
Ideal Way to Unwind:
Going to the beach with the family
Biggest Inspiration:
“The kids that look up to me are what keeps me going and motivated.” ter opening, but his local heroes— the Louisville food community— helped him rebuild. His faith kept him together emotionally.
Soon Ferguson’s story caught the attention of celebrity chefs and TV producers. He competed in Guy Fieri’s “Tournament of Champions” and other Food Network shows, picking up prize money and fame. He considers Fieri one of his superheroes.
“Guywasoneofthefirstpeopleon amajorleveltoseethestarpotential I have,” he said. “I had to prove it to him. Whenever I have a decision to make, I call him first. ... He always encourages me to keep going.”
Now the 35-year-old father of eight owns SuperChefs and Tha’ Drippin Crab, both in Louisville, and Superhero Chefs, in Tuscumbia, Alabama. He sees his past as a Darnell “Superchef” Ferguson, chef and owner of SuperChefs and Tha’ Drippin’ Crab in Louisville, Ky., and Superhero Chefs in Tuscumbia, Ala.
lesson to help build a better future for others, especially at-risk youths. He’s active in supporting nonprofits Blessings in a Backpack and Children Shouldn’t Hunger, and he goes out of his way to hire staff who have been down on their luck.
“I went down a bad path that could have ended elsewhere. I managed to turn my life around thanks to my faith in God, by working hard, and through the support of good people who encouraged and guided me,” Ferguson said. “Now I want to help others facing challenges to believe in themselves. Through dedication and hard work, you can become your own superhero.”
