Jake Wood is the 35-year-old Chef/ Owner of Lawrence Food Co. located in Durham, NC which consists of Lawrence BBQ, Lagoon Leisure Bar, and the Leroy’s Taco Shop.
Growing up in Apex, NC, food was alway a part of the conversation in the Wood household. Taking great influence from his Papa Allen Lawrence & Granny Helen, Jake found his passion for barbecuing and perfecting family recipes. After graduating highschool in 2005 and taking a few college courses, Wood knew that his passion was cooking and would be the career path he sought.
In 2019 Wood was named one of FSR Magazines Rising Stars as the CDC of 18 Seaboard and played a major role in raising over $450k for the people devastated by Hurricane Florence as the acting Culinary Co-Chair for the Sunday Supper alongside Chef Scott Crawford.
After leaving 18 Seaboard, Wood started Lawrence Food Company. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, Wood found himself doing pop-ups wherever he could all while finishing his first restaurant buildout, Lawrence Barbecue, which successfully opened in June 2021. Shortly thereafter, Lawrence BBQ was named one of the “Best New ‘Cue Joints in The South” by Southern Living Magazine in October 2021. He kept up the momentum by opening his second concept called Leroy’s Taco Shop which feature his viral Brisket Birria Tacos and more.
Jake currently resides in Garner, NC with his wife Brandi and their two kids, Breanna Leigh and Lawrence Ayden.