Harold Odister September 16, 2026

Life & Work with Harold Odister of Atlanta

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Harold Odister.

Hi Harold, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my passion for BBQ in the parks of Atlanta so for over 25 years I gathered up a host of friends to entertain on the banks of the Chattahoochee River or Piedmont Park for my now World Famous BBQ.

I worked in sales and when the pandemic hit , like many, I was laid off and receive an excellent severance package. That allowed me to afford some decision-making. Which I decided to launch Standing OHHvations & the character “ Chef OHH”

From my social media presence I was found by G Gavin’ s media team which selected Chef OHH to partipate & compete in their hit show “ Hustle, Sizzle and Smoke.

From my culinary experience have elevated with new clients & business adventures

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course the world of food services is hard work but I feel everyday a positive attitude, and upbeat spirit & a daily prayer will conquer all struggles.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Culinary Arts / Self Trained
Mom taught all her children how to make a fried egg and bologna sandwich. With that you can conquer any dish or experience.

I am natural artist meaning I was born with a gift of seeing & through reputation I can produce anything whether it’s pottery, sculpture, illusions, interior design as well as culinary art. I am self taught

I am most proud of my networking of friends that continue to send me business.
I think what sets me apart is I know my food is good but I humble & continuously learning to master.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
In order to be successful you have to take risk… I believe risk is what gives you the results you need to move forward.

My biggest risk was changing careers while sending 2 kids off to college. So far 1 has graduated from UGA and the 2nd is a junior at Florida A & M

Contact Info:

Website: Ohhism3kk86
Instagram: Ohhism3kk86

Plate with meatloaf, fried sweet potato fries, and a side salad with lettuce and vegetables, on a white dish.

Man with glasses, beard, and colorful necklace slices meat at outdoor event, wearing apron and gloves.

A bearded man with glasses wearing a purple chef outfit, holding a whisk, with a city skyline background and text 'CHEF OHH'.

Person in a blue sports jersey and cap grilling meat outdoors with trees in the background.

Grill with various meats and shrimp cooking, smoke rising, outdoors setting, food on grill racks.

Sliced cooked steak on fries with a small cup of green sauce in a white bowl.

A crocodile lying on a table, wearing a striped shirt, with its head resting on the surface.

Person wearing a purple apron and gloves is grilling chicken on a barbecue with a lid open outdoors.

Plate of cooked shrimp with vegetables and sauce, garnished with lemon slices, on a table surface.

Suggest a Story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.