Rising Stars: Meet Simba Muhammad II of Dayton, OH

Today we’d like to introduce you to Simba Muhammad II.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Simba Muhammad II. I was born on the South Side of Chicago, IL. Coming from a large family, cooking was always essential. I’ve had a desire to cook since the age of five. My grandmother would turn on the TV to Emeril Lagasse and let me watch his shows until I fell asleep. My grandfather, a Sicilian-American, would cook his favorite cultural dishes with me and share his family recipes. My mother, an excellent cook, taught me how to bake bread from scratch and soak beans for the biggest pots of soup I’d ever seen. My aunt, a cookbook author, inspired me as I read her recipes and fantasized about cooking on TV with her one day. My entire life has revolved around food—from cooking it to eating it!

During and after high school, I worked in fast food to help make ends meet for my family. After much prayer and thought, I decided to go to culinary school. I was afraid to make that leap, but I had the support and inspiration I needed to move to Ohio on my own and start my culinary career. While attending Sinclair College, I met an incredible number of chefs and advisors who guided my journey. That’s also where I met my good friend Gideon General, who was in the culinary program with me. After graduating together, we aimed to grow in our careers as chefs.

Both Gideon and I were laid off from our full-time kitchen jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. That led me to start my fast-casual restaurant business, while Gideon focused on growing his social media presence. After five years of proudly running my own food establishments—from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar restaurant—my amazing wife and I decided it was best to take a step back from the restaurant business so I could focus on growing my career as a social media chef alongside Gideon.

Since then, I’ve been able to attract viral attention to my page, *Da Slider Guy*, and this has now turned into a full-time career as a social media chef. Through this long and challenging journey, I have no one to thank more than God, my wife, and my community for these incredible opportunities. I’ve only just scratched the surface of my career as a chef, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing—both as an individual and as a chef.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago in a large family, I learned early on that making ends meet often meant hard work and sacrifice. I started working in fast food during and after high school to help support my family, all while holding on to my dream of becoming a chef. Taking the leap to move to Ohio for culinary school was a huge and scary step, but I was determined.

One of the biggest challenges came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both my friend and fellow chef Gideon General and I were laid off from our full-time kitchen jobs. That moment was a turning point for me—it forced me to pivot and take a risk by starting my own fast-casual restaurant business. Over the next five years, I poured my heart into running everything from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

Eventually, my wife and I made the difficult decision to step away from the restaurant world so I could focus on building a new path as a social media chef. That journey wasn’t easy either—growing an online presence and turning it into a full-time career took persistence, creativity, and a lot of faith. But thanks to God, the support of my wife, my family, and my friend Gideon, I’ve been able to turn my passion for food into a thriving social media career under the name Da Slider Guy.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a chef and content creator, and I specialize in making gourmet recipes more affordable and accessible—especially for young adults and new cooks. As the creator behind *Da Slider Guy*, I focus on breaking down elevated dishes into easy, homestyle meals that anyone can make, no matter their experience level or budget.

I’m best known for my quick, approachable recipes, family-style comfort food, and homestyle cooking that brings people together. You can find my content across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, where I share everything from creative sliders to soul-warming soups to fun kitchen tips. I always aim to keep things lighthearted, educational, and rooted in love for the culture and community that raised me.

What makes me proudest is seeing everyday people—young adults, students, and busy families—trying my recipes at home and gaining confidence in the kitchen. I take that seriously, which is why I stay active in the comments, reply to as many people as I can, and offer guidance when folks need extra help with a recipe. For me, it’s not just about views or going viral—it’s about connection and helping people feel empowered to cook for themselves and their loved ones.

What sets me apart is my commitment to keeping things real, fun, and inclusive. I take inspiration from fine dining and gourmet techniques, but I translate them into something practical and accessible for everyone. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been cooking for years, my goal is to make the kitchen feel like a welcoming place to learn, laugh, and create something delicious.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that surprises a lot of people is that I’m also an aspiring actor. Most folks know me as the chef creating easy, flavorful recipes online—but what they don’t always see is my passion for performance and storytelling beyond the kitchen. I’ve always been drawn to acting, whether it’s drama, comedy, or anything in between. Being on camera for my cooking content has actually helped me grow more comfortable in that space, and I hope to explore more acting opportunities as my journey continues. It’s a dream I’m excited to chase alongside my culinary and content career.

Pricing:

• For social Media campaigns- Please consult my management at @dasliderguy@viralnationtalent.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dasliderguy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dasliderguy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Da-Slider-Guy/61555323715433/?_rdr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DaSliderGuy?app=desktop