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Food was always an important part of life in the community where he grew up and his mom and mamaw instilled a passion for it at an early age. From shucking corn to shelling beans and learning the recipes of his family’s past he made a choice to attend culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in Charleston SC. Working in Charleston, SC for many years, he moved to Louisville, KY in 2004.  The Louisville food scene had much to offer a young chef and fell in love with the city. After working at several fine dining places in Louisville as Executive Chef, he was ready to open a restaurant as both Executive Chef and Owner.  With the help of his wife, Laura, The Fat Lamb Modern Kitchen & Bar opened in November of 2016. The small, open-kitchen concept has received a great response from the highlands neighborhood within which it is located and continues to serve both local patrons and visitors upscale comfort food with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Chef Dallas is a 2019 Food Network “Chopped” Champion and a 2024 James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast. He continues to support the community by doing many charity events each year and trying to give back to the community whenever possible. 


Honors and Awards

James Beard Award Semifinalist for "Best Chef Southeast" 2024

Food Network CHOPPED Champion

Four-time James Beard House Dinner Invitee (2006, 2009, 2011, 2014)

Louisville's Business First Forty Under 40 Honoree (2017)

Euphoria food and wine festival participant Greenville, SC (2013 -present)

Charleston Wine and food festival participant (2015)

Atlanta food and wine festival participant (2012)

Louisville Chapter ACF Chef of the year (2013, 2014)

Sophisticated Living Magazine featured chef

Food & Dining Magazine featured chef

Slow Food Bluegrass member and supporter

Charitable Contributions

Dare to Care Food Bank; Bourbon and Bowties; Taste of St. Raphael, Home of the Innocent Backyard BBQ; Cabbage Patch Settlement House; Conrad Caldwell house; Gilda's club; Highland Presbyterian Weekday School; Mama-to Mama; JCPS Chef's Club for Elementary Students; State Fair Cooking demonstrations; March of Dimes; APRON Inc; Bloom Elementary School; Louisville Leopards;