The Burger Chef

Michael Dampier

I was the Chef and General Manager of the oldest Bar in Arkansas from 2015 – 2023. I’m currently the Pitmaster, Chef, GM at the Ouachita Bar and Grill in Hot Springs.

Recently named Readers Choice Award Top 3 Chefs in the area 2023. and Winner of the “Best Flavor” at Flavor in the Park 2023 for the Ouachita Bar and Grill.

Recognized by the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame as of 2023, 19 Times leading the Ohio Club to 7 Nominations to be Inducted, 5 of those as a Finalist, The People’s Choice Award Winner in 2020, and nominated 6 times as Chef of the Year.

2-Time Arkansas Times Top Chef in the State.

Winner of 26 Best Burger Awards including 8 consecutive years Readers Choice Best Burgers. In all, over 100 “Best of” Food Awards since 2016.

As a Food Sport Competitor, has competed on Teams at the World Food Championships placing 8th in the Bacon World Championships in 2019 as Sous Chef and in the World Seafood Championships in 2017.

Won the Taste of America for Arkansas in 2020 winning a Golden Ticket to compete at the 2020 World Food Championships in Dallas. Has placed in several other contest for Chili, Pork, Burgers, Gumbo.

As a hobby, I’m a Certified Food Sport Judge having Judged over 200 sanctioned and non sanctioned events across the Country since 2010. Certified Master BBQ Judge & Steak Judge with the Kansas City Barbecue Society, Prime Steak Judge with the Steak Cookoff Association, and E.A.T. Certified with the World Food Championships. I’m a Judge each year for the World Duck Gumbo Championships in Stuggart.

I’ve been a Cheferee at the World Food Championships in 2019 and at the Final Table in 2023.

I’m also a Food Sport Promoter and Event Host having hosted Steak Cookoff events in Hot Springs since 2021.

I’ve had my own sauce since 2016, named Big Al Sauce. In 2023, I rebranded repackaged it to be my “The Burger Chef’s All Purpose Sauce”. It definitely is an all purpose Sauce. Great for dipping, as s marinade, a glaze, or top of your burger.

In 2022, I launched my Seasoning/ Rub “Chef’s Beef Rub. It’s not only fantastic for hearty cuts of Beef but is great ribs, chicken, pork, and more.

I learned how to be a cook mostly on my own but influenced by my Mom who cooked in Restaurants for 30 years.

I’m a father to 4 amazing children.