From Homemaker to Culinary Maven: The Story of Chef Lauren Daniels

​Chef Lauren Daniels is the visionary owner of Southern Charm Bistro, a celebrated dining establishment in Fort Myers, Florida. A devoted wife and mother of four, her remarkable journey from full-time homemaker to self-taught chef and entrepreneur is a testament to her passion, perseverance, and culinary artistry.

For 12 years, Daniels dedicated herself to raising her children while nurturing her love for cooking and baking. She refined her skills by studying cookbooks and closely following renowned chefs, transforming a personal passion into a professional pursuit. In 2012, she launched Little Chefs In Training, a culinary program designed to teach children and teens the fundamentals of baking and cooking. Through hands-on summer camps and themed birthday parties, she created an engaging, educational experience that quickly became a community favorite, with events filling up within minutes. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced a temporary closure of her business, Daniels adapted by offering takeout and delivery, introducing a simplified menu that resonated with customers. The overwhelming response inspired her to take a bold new step—reimagining her space as Southern Charm Bistro. Designed to capture the warmth of an old-school speakeasy, the bistro features a nostalgic ambiance with jazz music and striking imagery of legendary artists such as Louis Armstrong and Diana Ross. The menu reflects Daniels’ deep appreciation for comfort food, offering Southern biscuits made from scratch, perfectly crisp fried chicken, and an array of inventive vegetarian dishes like the Sweet Potato Wild Rice Bowl and Black Lentil Bowl with maple-glazed Brussels sprouts.

​In addition to her restaurant, Daniels is the founder of Pearl’s Southern Biscuits, a brand inspired by her grandmother, Pearl McIntosh. Pearl’s Southern Biscuits are crafted with all-natural ingredients and made by hand, offering flavors such as Butter, Frosted Blueberry, and Garlic Cheddar. These beloved biscuits can be found in local stores, including Sun Harvest Citrus in Fort Myers, bringing a taste of Southern tradition to even more customers. Under her leadership, Southern Charm Bistro has become a beloved destination, blending tradition with innovation to create a dining experience that feels like home. Building on this success, Daniels is set to expand her vision with the opening of a second location in the third quarter of 2026.

 Chef Lauren Daniels’ journey is a powerful reminder that passion, adaptability, and dedication can transform dreams into reality. Through her culinary expertise and commitment to community, she continues to make a lasting impact—one dish at a time. justice system, neighborhood revitalization, the homeless continuum of care, and administering federal funds. Julie began her management career at SalusCare, where for 14 years she supervised several programs for children and families, including behavioral health and child welfare services, working her way up to Director of Family Services. Julie has been a member of numerous committees to enhance social services in the Lee County community. Julie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Penn State and Master's degree from Temple University in Social Work. She lives in Fort Myers and is married with four children.