Meet the Chef

Our Chef

He’s Chef Ryan Von Smith, but you can call him Chef Von. 

Born and raised in Scranton, he’s the kind of guy who can make anyone feel like a regular, whether you’ve known him for years or just met him at the bar. He’s a self-taught chef with a resume that reads like a rockstar tour – NYC, LA, Las Vegas, Macau, and everywhere in between. He’s cooked for celebs, competed in the World Master Chefs Competition in China (where he placed third), and even took on Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen on “Next Level Chef.”

But no matter where he’s been, Scranton has always been home.

When the world shut down, Chef Von brought his talent back to his roots, turning his mom’s kitchen into a pop-up and serving up the kind of real, delicious home cooked meals that NEPA residents were craving. The love for his community and his mom’s dream of owning a restaurant turned that hustle into Chef Von & Mom, which opened on Scranton Parade Day in March 2022 and has been serving up bold flavors and great vibes ever since.

He’s a guy with grit, heart, and more than a little bit of bravado. Pull up a chair, and you’ll hear tales of kitchens in world-class cities, late-night adventures, and why there’s nothing quite like a peanut butter bacon cheeseburger. 

And if you think you’re leaving without doing a shot of Jameson, think again. Chef Von brings the flavor and the party wherever he goes. 

Winning on the global Stage

Taking Home The Gold

And if all of that wasn’t enough, Chef Von just took his talents to the global stage winning first place in the World Rice Championship.

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