About me
Andrew Gruel is a chef, restaurateur, and outspoken advocate for small business and food freedom. As founder and CEO of the seafood restaurant group Slapfish, he built a nationally recognized brand grounded in transparency, sustainability, and entrepreneurial grit.
Beyond the kitchen, Gruel has become a prominent voice challenging government overreach, supply-chain dysfunction, and regulatory burdens that impact independent businesses. During the COVID era, he emerged as a vocal defender of restaurateurs and workers navigating shifting mandates and economic uncertainty.
At FreedomFest, Gruel brings a practical, street-level perspective to debates about wellness, commerce, and the role of government in everyday life — arguing that food, like freedom, is best served without unnecessary interference.
