Meet the CEO & Head Chef: Levi Kinney

During my career I have worked every position that a traditional restaurant has to offer. This experience has been gained at several different styles of dining establishments, from sports bars to fine steakhouses. Starting in hospitality at 14 years old and working my way up from busser/dishwasher to head chef/owner at 26 years old has taught me volumes about the industry and about life in general. The most important of these lessons is that good food can connect even the least likely of people, places, and cultures and somehow make it all make sense.

Spanish and Latin American cultures, and the diverse array of flavor and personalities that they offer, have been influential to my experience as a chef and in my life. I always have the desire to incorporate these influences in my cooking. My goal is to find a way to use these flavors in a way that is different from what would be considered traditional Latin American or Spanish food, but to maintain respect for the traditions and people from which they came.

The food I make is a reflection of my experience in this life. My relationship with food has not always been an easy one, from growing up without the guarantee of a quality meal to fighting obesity, food hasn’t always been a healthy facet of my life. But wonderful people have shown me that food can be a true source of happiness and connection. Good food can open your heart and mind, change your perspective, and start lifelong relationships. I cook the food I do to pay respect to those who taught me to cook and eat. I aim to cook in a way that celebrates not only food, but the beautiful relationships it has brought to me.

Follow Levi on Instagram — @levimkinney