Today we’d like to introduce you to Dandre Mccarter
DAndre, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Chef D’Andre McCarter, and my journey started in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduating from the Culnard Culinary Institute, I worked as an executive chef and gained over 30 years of experience in the culinary world. My career took me around the globe, including a memorable time with the Four Seasons Hotel Resort in Johannesburg, South Africa. Through the years, I developed a passion for healthy cooking, flavor balance, and making nutritious food accessible to everyone.
My personal health struggles, including significant weight loss and preparing for knee surgery, inspired me to shift my focus to healthier, sustainable cooking. This led to the creation of The Gym Rat Group, a business dedicated to meal prep, fitness-focused foods, and culinary education. I now work closely with organizations like the YMCA, offering cooking demos, meal services, and teaching culinary classes to help others improve their health through food.
I’ve faced ups and downs, but my commitment to delivering flavorful, nutritious meals and helping people live healthier lives has fueled my journey to where I am today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Along the way, I faced a number of personal and professional struggles that tested my resolve. My faith and my wife have been huge sources of strength during these times, helping me keep my focus and push forward.
One of the greatest challenges has been dealing with my own physical and emotional health. I had to lose a significant amount of weight to qualify for knee replacement surgery. This journey was incredibly difficult, but it opened my eyes to the reality that when people are missing something emotionally or spiritually, they often overeat or avoid exercise. My pastor, Patrick Winfield, at The Potter’s House in Fort Worth, shared something that has resonated deeply with me: “Pain makes the body aware. Pain is the place where your gifting shines the most.” That message helped me understand that hardship is where our true potential is revealed.
Through all of this, my wife has been my rock. She supported me through the mental and physical reset that was necessary for me to turn my life around and pursue my passion with renewed energy. Life is hard, no matter how you look at it, but I’m learning that it’s the struggles that push me toward my purpose. Every challenge has brought me closer to the path I was meant to walk.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an accomplished hospitality and restaurant Executive Chef with over two decades of culinary leadership experience, specializing in scratch-made, menu-driven environments ranging from fine dining to upscale corporate foodservice. My expertise includes multi-unit kitchen management, innovative menu creation, and task-force corporate culinary training. I’ve had the privilege of leading culinary teams at renowned hotels, resorts, and private establishments, such as the Four Seasons in Johannesburg South Africa, Marriott International, and Lajitas Golf Resort.
What sets me apart is my focus on innovative yet health-conscious cuisine. I’m passionate about creating flavorful dishes that support a healthy lifestyle, something I recently adopted myself. Through my partnership with the YMCA and other programs, I teach others how to manage and reverse conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure through nutrition, while still enjoying great-tasting food.
I’m most proud of my extensive experience in managing large teams, having overseen kitchens with 70+ staff members, and my ability to innovate and adapt, especially post-pandemic when I revamped menus and operations to meet new challenges. My dedication to developing talent, fostering teamwork, and emphasizing culinary education has been central to my success, making me a respected leader in the industry.
What sets me apart is my philosophy: food should heal, inspire, and bring people together without compromising on flavor. Whether working in fine dining, luxury resorts, or community settings, my goal is always to elevate both the dining experience and the well-being of those I serve.
What are your plans for the future?
For the future, I’m excited to continue growing both personally and professionally by expanding my healthy, flavor-driven culinary philosophy. I’m particularly focused on scaling The Gym Rat Group, my healthy grab-and-go concept, and bringing it to a wider audience. I aim to open additional locations, expand my offerings, and create a community that supports individuals in achieving their health and wellness goals through food.
Another key focus is my partnership with the YMCA. I plan to enhance my culinary classes and demos, helping more people, especially those dealing with health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, learn how to cook delicious meals that improve their quality of life. I’m also working on launching a curriculum for new mothers, teaching them essential skills like meal prep, recipe development, and budgeting. Big changes are definitely ahead as I move toward integrating ministry into my career. I’m looking forward to blending my love for food, health, and faith in a way that can positively impact even more lives.
On a personal level, I’m looking forward to continuing my own health journey, sharing my story with others, and inspiring people to make healthier choices without sacrificing flavor. I also plan to offer more speaking engagements and cooking demonstrations to spread this message further.
Pricing:
- Personal Chef Services$250–$400 per week
- Private Chef Services$500–$800
- Cooking Classes -depending on group size and class duration)
- Booking Chef as a Speaker – depending on group size and travel)
- Event Catering-(depending on menu, staffing, and event length)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thegymratgroup.com
- Instagram: thegymratgroup
- Facebook: thegymratgroup
- Youtube: chefdandre
- Yelp: thegymratgroup
- Other: tiktok -thegymratgroup
Image Credits
Chef DAndre Mccarter – The Gym Rat Group
