After years of consulting for and opening restaurants across the United States and traveling internationally, Chef Danielle Benson created Smoke Cantina as her love letter to Franklin — a place where world-class culinary artistry meets small-town heart.

A chef, entrepreneur, restaurant consultant, Culinary Arts instructor, and collegiate assistant professor, Chef Danielle has built a career centered around creativity, hospitality, mentorship, and community. From leading kitchens and developing restaurants to educating future culinary professionals, her passion has always been about bringing people together through food and unforgettable experiences.

But beyond the kitchen, Danielle’s greatest pride is her family. Together with her husband Levi, and their two children, Everett and Everly, life is a constant mix of restaurant chaos, community involvement, family adventures, and home life shared with their German Shepherd, two cats, and eight chickens. That balance of ambition, family, creativity, and heart is exactly what Smoke Cantina was built to reflect — a warm, welcoming place where great food and genuine connection come together.

Chef Danielle also believes Smoke Cantina’s success is built by the incredible team beside her every day. “I’m beyond blessed and grateful for every single member of our restaurant family. Their passion, hard work, creativity, and dedication are what truly bring Smoke Cantina to life.”