Who is Andrew Gruel? Celebrity chef offers free meals and parking lot to camp out to LA residents displaced by wildfires

Amid the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, celebrity chef Andrew Gruel offered support to displaced residents. On January 8, 2025, he took to X to extend help to those affected. In a series of tweets, Chef Gruel offered meals and a safe space for residents who were forced to evacuate their homes due to emergency orders.

In one of his tweets, Gruel stated —

"Update: Anyone who has left LA and headed south. You are welcome at our restaurant, 16600 Pacific Coast Highway, 92649. We have a large parking lot, you can stay as long as you need and camp out. We will provide free meals for all of those affected," the chef wrote.

Chef Andrew Gruel is a well-known American chef and television personality. He is the founder of the acclaimed Slapfish restaurant chain, which specializes in sustainable seafood.

Beyond his expertise in seafood, Gruel is also highly skilled in preparing chicken and vegan dishes. His culinary talents have been showcased on various platforms, including his role as a judge on Food Network's Food Truck Face Off in 2014.

---

Getting to know the chef Andrew Gruel

The chef (Image via Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images,)

Chef Andrew Gruel, born on July 12, 1980, in New Jersey, is a distinguished culinary professional and entrepreneur.

A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Gruel has successfully expanded his Slapfish restaurant chain to 27 locations, transforming it from an award-winning food truck into an internationally recognized brand headquartered in Huntington Beach, California.

In addition to Slapfish, Gruel is the CEO and founder of the American Gravy Restaurant Group, which encompasses a diverse portfolio of establishments, including Calico Fishhouse, Big Parm Pizza, Two Birds Chicken, Butterleaf, Lolo’s Tacos, and 101 Burger.

Gruel's business acumen and culinary expertise have earned him numerous accolades. He has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Business Executives by Fast Casual magazine and featured in Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2017 Power List. In 2013, he was also named one of Orange County's top 40 under 40 entrepreneurs.

Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Gruel is a prominent media figure. He currently co-hosts The SoCal Restaurant Show on AM 830 and frequently contributes to various national news outlets, sharing his insights on the culinary industry.

---

Chef Andrew Gruel opens restaurant to help displaced Los Angeles residents

As the news of the Los Angeles wildfires broke on January 7, 2025, numerous individuals and organizations stepped forward to offer assistance. Among them, celebrity chef Andrew Gruel took swift action to support those affected.

Chef Andrew Gruel announced on X that his restaurant was offering free meals and a camping area for wildfire-displaced residents. He also requested help with meal preparation and distribution. Later, he shared an update celebrating the successful delivery of truckloads of donations.

"🚨ALERT: Update on helping: We have received and distributed truckloads of donations. You all are amazing. We had guests from the restaurant come and help drive products to the Pasadena Convention Center with us as well as help make over 200 hot meals to bring up," the chef wrote.

In the same tweet, Chef Gruel detailed additional support efforts, including the provision of essential supplies for pets and babies. He mentioned distributing items such as diapers, wipes, baby formula, hygiene kits, and more.

"We are giving away meals at the restaurant to those in need as well. Tomorrow, we will be making a drop for pet supplies and baby supplies, then make more trips to LA for all other needs and hot food. Thank you to the Dream Center and @MatthewBarnett for organizing and distributing so many products, as well as WCK," the chef further wrote.

According to CNN reports on January 9, 2025, an urgent warning has been issued concerning unsafe drinking water in areas impacted by the recent evacuations due to the Eaton Fire.

The reports also indicate that at least five people have been killed in the Palisades and Eaton fires, while more than 100,000 residents are being evacuated following emergency alerts.