Chef Walker Hughes

Chef de Cuisine

Chef Walker Hughes grew up in Haleyville, Alabama, where his passion for food began early. Some of his first memories are of watching the Food Network while his grandmother cooked. He created his first recipe at age twelve but never thought of cooking as a career. He simply wanted to help people.

When he moved to Auburn to continue his education, he realized that food could do just that. A great meal can comfort, heal, and bring people together. It’s like medicine for the soul.

His cooking philosophy is to reimagine tradition. While many in the South hold tightly to classic flavors, he aims to layer unexpected techniques and ingredients to create dishes that are both surprising and familiar. The goal is to push comfort food to the edge, innovative, yet approachable. “Different doesn’t always mean better, but it can be, and that’s what I strive for in every dish.”

Walker entered the restaurant industry ten years ago, starting as a fry cook and working his way up through hard work and curiosity. Now Chef de Cuisine at The Depot, he continues to create, teach, and share joy through food.