JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Chef Jernard Wells is taking viewers on a culinary journey like no other with his new food, travel, and culture series Savor the City on TV One — and after a successful first season, he said the journey is just getting started.
Known for his bold Southern flavors, larger-than-life personality, and deep passion for honoring culinary roots, Wells sat down with News4JAX to reflect on what the show has meant, what moved him most, and what fans can expect next.
“When I first started this journey with Savor the City, I wanted people to understand how a single plate of food can tell a story — of migration, survival, joy and resilience,” Wells said. “And we’re doing it over an amazing plate of food.”
He says one of his biggest missions with the show was to celebrate the people behind the flavors while they’re still here to receive their flowers.
“Let’s not wait until they’re gone and we’re giving praise to their descendants,” he said. “They’ve put in the work, they’ve kept the smiles on their faces when you walk in their establishments. Let’s show them love while we can.”
Throughout the season, Wells traveled across the country — and even beyond — visiting cities known and unknown, rich with Black culinary influence. But when asked which city surprised him most, he didn’t hesitate.
“None of them surprised me,” he said with a laugh. “I already know they’re throwing down when I walk in. Because see, hospitality is the key. When you’ve got great service, you already know the food is going to be amazing too.”
Wells added that soul food is not just a cuisine — it’s an emotion.
“Soul food is the feeling,” he said. “It’s the love and energy that’s embedded in the food. And when that’s right, the food backs it up.”
From Charleston to the DMV, Las Vegas, the Bahamas, Napa Valley, Miami, and the Bay Area — Wells said every stop reaffirmed his love for travel and food culture all over again.
One moment that stood out most to him was in Savannah, Georgia, during a Juneteenth celebration episode.
“We had this charcuterie board like no other,” he said. “Crab legs, pickled okra, crispy crunchy okra, smoked cheeses — it was a whole new level of celebration. It changed the way I look at food preparation and the way we celebrate around the dinner table.”
So what’s next for the “Family Chef”?
Wells says fans can expect even more in Season 2.
“Absolutely all of the above,” he said when asked if there’s more travel, more food, and more stories ahead. “They ask me, ‘Where you going next?’ And I say, ‘Wherever we are!’ Because wherever we are, we’re cooking something good and doing amazing things.”
As for a return to your city?
“You might want to be on the lookout,” he teased. “I may just pop up in a city near you — or better yet, at the restaurant next door.”
For more information on Chef Jernard Wells, visit chefjernard.com
