The People Behind the Magic
Chef Justin Smith
Born and raised in the coastal town of Washington, NC, my passion for fresh, local ingredients began where the water met my grandmother’s kitchen. Catching blue crabs and watching her create unforgettable meals was where my love for cooking took root.
Starting as a dishwasher in high school, I quickly discovered the creative energy of the kitchen was where I belonged. My culinary path led me from local restaurants to roles with Marriott Hotels before earning my stripes at The Culinary Institute of America. Along the way, I trained under Certified Master Chefs at prestigious clubs like Cherokee Town & Country Club and Shoal Creek Club, even leading culinary operations during events like the 2018 U.S. Women’s Open.
Years later, the Lowcountry called me home. At The Landings Golf & Athletic Club, I rediscovered the coastal lifestyle I grew up with and a deep appreciation for the region’s bounty of fresh seafood, which has become the soul of my cooking.
Now at Haig Point Club, I’m inspired every day by this island’s beauty and unique character. It’s a privilege to share my love for fresh, locally sourced flavors and to call this special place home with my wife, Laurel, and daughter, Mary Elizabeth.
Pastry Chef Savanna Brodar
Savanna Brodar is an award-winning Pastry Chef whose creations blend timeless tradition with modern artistry. Hailing from the charming town of Lexington, North Carolina, Savanna discovered her love for baking in her grandmother’s kitchen, where cherished family recipes and sweet traditions sparked a lifelong passion.
A 2014 graduate of Johnson and Wales University with an Associate’s degree in Baking and Pastry Arts, Savanna began her culinary career with a clear vision and boundless ambition. Her dedication to her craft has earned her esteemed accolades, including the NCRLA People’s Choice Best Dessert award in 2021 and 2022. By 2023, she was recognized as Runner-Up for NCRLA Pastry Chef of the Year, culminating in the honor of being named North Carolina’s Pastry Chef of the Year in 2024.
Savanna’s decade-long career in Charlotte saw her flourishing in luxury hotels, where she mastered the art of refined desserts. Her time at the prestigious Country Club of North Carolina further elevated her expertise, but her insatiable desire for creativity and connection led her to a new chapter on Daufuskie Island. Now at Haig Point Club, Savanna is redefining the pastry experience by refining the club's pastry program and opening an artisanal bakery storefront. Here, in the serene beauty of the Lowcountry, she finds endless inspiration, blending her culinary artistry with the island’s idyllic surroundings.
Rooted in her grandmother’s teachings yet driven by innovation, Savanna’s pastries celebrate the perfect harmony of heritage and imagination. With a heart full of gratitude for the experiences that have shaped her, she looks forward to sharing her passion for handcrafted, world-class desserts with the Haig Point community and beyond.