Chris Jossell is a seasoned engineer with over 30 years of experience and a dedicated culinary entrepreneur with a passion for feeding people and mastering BBQ cuisine. Known for his love of creating flavorful and memorable dishes, Chris has built a reputation for excellence in the kitchen, specializing in barbecue and sharing his love of food with the community.
As the supportive husband of Kesha Jossell, Founder and CEO of It’s Her, Chris has played a pivotal role in their shared journey of entrepreneurship and community service. His early ventures in the culinary arts laid the groundwork for the family’s business endeavors, inspiring Kesha to establish It’s Her, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women. Together, they launched the AchieveHer program, providing youth with hands-on experience in event planning and business skills through initiatives like managing an ice cream truck.
Chris’s diverse skill set as both an engineer and a culinary artist exemplifies his dedication to quality, creativity, and community. His enthusiasm for cooking, particularly BBQ, reflects his commitment to bringing people together through food. His partnership with Kesha highlights their shared vision for mentorship, empowerment, and building opportunities for future entrepreneurs.Chris Jossell, Founder and CEO of Smokehouse Academy, is a culinary entrepreneur known for CJ’s BBQ Cruiser. With a deep love for community and cooking, Chris envisioned a space where youth and adults could thrive through hands-on training. That vision is now becoming a reality at 2118 S 17th Ave in Broadview, IL.
❝ We’re not just teaching people how to cook, we’re showing them how to lead, grow, and serve.❞
— Chris Jossell
