Auburn’s Chef David Bancroft Is Changing the Way an Entire City Dines

Since his time as a student at Auburn, Chef David Bancroft has been a huge influencer in Auburn’s sustainable farming programs.

Before becoming the owner and executive chef at Acre restaurant in Auburn, Alabama, and before being featured in SEC TV commercials, David Bancroft attended Auburn University’s Raymond J. Harbert College of Business. The self-taught chef, farmer, and forager’s student days have passed, but Bancroft’s love for Auburn keeps him tightly tied to the community in every aspect of his life.

In his quest to attain responsibly sourced foods, he’s heavily involved in Auburn’s Office of Sustainability, and he assists in the Schools of Agriculture; Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences; and Hospitality/Restaurant Management. He also founded the Alabama Oyster Social. Since the first social, the popularity of the Alabama oyster has soared and production has increased. This is especially important because, in 2016, the lease where many of the best oysters are raised and harvested was denied for renewal. Bancroft’s philanthropic event raises funds for Alabama oyster farmers and helps establish new oyster-farming parks. The 2017 Alabama Oyster Social hosted 600 guests and raised $35,000, all of which was donated to the Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory.

You’d think Bancroft had enough on his plate, but somehow, he finds the time to act as owner and executive chef at Acre restaurant. Just three blocks from Auburn’s famous Toomer’s Corner, Acre is a hot spot for the school’s students, alumni, and guests. It is also a celebration of all things local, as Bancroft brings ingredients together that are either grown on-site or sourced from local farming families.

Working as sustainably as possible isn’t just a trend for Bancroft. He’s made it clear that he believes in the cause and loves the challenge — and the industry has taken notice, as evidenced by his 2016 and 2017 James Beard Award nominations for Best Chef: South. For those who don’t consider themselves foodies, the James Beard Foundation Awards are known as the “Oscars of Food.” These awards are presented annually to “celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone.” About his nominations, Bancroft said, “Being on the list really speaks to the quality of the food, the staff, the community, and the restaurant’s place in the community.” Even while honored with back-to-back nominations for one of the industry’s most prestigious awards, Bancroft continues to recognize Auburn’s community and his commitment to it.

In the SEC, It Just Means More.

To Chef Bancroft, It Just Means More Sustainable Meals, Coming Right Up.