A former Florida law enforcement officer who previously defused bombs is now creating baked goods and grinding coffee for customers.
Chris Smith, 56, along with his wife, launched the Ground Ops Roastery + Bakehouse in Tallahassee, Florida, in November 2023.
Before this venture, Smith served as a deputy with the Leon County Sheriff's Office, where he was part of the SWAT team and Bomb Squad.
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He retired shortly before the opening, yet what seemed like a significant career shift was more in line with his past experiences.
“It all circles back to being there for the people and community,” Smith shared with Fox News Digital. (See the video at the top of this article.)
Chris Smith was part of the SWAT team and bomb squad at the Leon County Sheriff's Office in Tallahassee, Florida. He is now a business proprietor and grinds coffee for clients. (Shannon Smith)
“Establishing the Ground Ops was another means of supporting the community.”
Service has been central to Smith's professional life for a significant portion of his adult years.
Having served four years in the US Navy, he later attended Florida State University using the GI bill. He became an officer in 2010 and also volunteers as a firefighter.
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Nevertheless, his wife, Shannon Smith, expressed that one of her husband’s most notable accomplishments was meeting her in 2021.
“He even began to make sense to my adoptive child who was having issues at school,” Shannon shared with Fox News Digital.
Smith, on the right, shared Pep's story with his then wife's adopted son years ago. She expresses gratitude for that moment today. (Shannon Smith)
During that time, Shannon Smith was a single mom. A mutual friend suggested Chris Smith visit them.
Before connecting with her son, Smith arrived with a plate stuffed with food wrapped in foil.
“Then I tasted this thing [in the foil], and it was incredible,” Shannon remarked.
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A few days afterward, Smith texted to say he was making banana pudding for the bomb squad and asked if he could bring some for her.
“I realized then,” Shannon Smith recounted. The couple tied the knot a year later.
As for the dessert Smith offered her on their first meeting, it became a future item on Ground Ops’ menu.
On the left, the pastry presented to my then-wife on our initial meeting. The pastry ultimately became known as the Hello Cake on the right, featured on the FL Ground Ops menu. (Shannon Smith)
Despite its lack of a name back then, the Hello Cake “has turned into one of our top sellers, because that’s how we greeted each other,” Shannon Smith shared.
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Ground Ops serves as both a bakery and coffee shop that embodies their love for the nation.
Many of its favored roasts have patriotic titles, like Bravo Zulu Blend and Chocolate and Toffee, along with a hazelnut flavor chosen by the commander, and a depth-enhanced espresso blend. There’s also the Warhorse Southern Pecan Blend.
“We have a fantastic experience. Our patrons enjoy it.”
“Numerous latte names draw inspiration from the military,” Smith noted.
“For instance, I have Roger who focuses on bunker busters and such. He enjoys it a lot, and our customers appreciate it too.”
The interior of Ground Ops is adorned with a framed image of Smith’s cousin, Shannon Kent, a naval cryptographer who lost her life in a suicide bombing in 2019.
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Her spouse, Joe Kent, has recently taken on the role of director at the National Center for Counterterrorism.
All items are baked from scratch daily, encompassing everything from rolls and popovers to cookies and cakes. As Smith lacks formal culinary training, he depends on family recipes and significant experimentation.
Smith has embarked on a new career path in the realms of baking and coffee. (Shannon Smith)
“I love food and enjoy tasting food,” Smith expressed. “I like traveling for culinary experiences and attempting to recreate dishes I try, and my wife often remarks that I eat like a child.”
Shannon Smith gradually acquired the equipment he needs as her husband had “saved quite a bit” and was “driven by an idea” to establish his own place.
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Her husband’s endeavors demand considerable sacrifice and face numerous challenges, she added.
“Managing a business is tough,” she noted. “While law enforcement is challenging, running a business presents a unique type of difficulty.”
This includes getting up early each day before dawn.
Chris Smith and Shannon Smith fell in love when he was still serving as a lieutenant. “Law enforcement presents its own challenges, but running a business is a different layer of complexity.” (Shannon Smith)
“I must admit that waking up early and grinding through the day is significantly harder than managing bomb threats,” Smith remarked.
“Yet I miss everyone I worked with.”
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Smith hasn’t completely distanced himself from law enforcement.
“He simply couldn’t resist, so he returned to help,” his wife stated.
