09/30/2026
Yesterday was one of those days that reminded me exactly why I love this industry SO much!
Our first Fire & Flair Student Culinary Competition brought together three teams — six incredibly talented young adults from right here in the Mat-Su Valley. Each team was challenged to create both a hot and a cold appetizer, and getting to taste what they created was such a fun experience. The food was incredible. The creativity, focus, teamwork and confidence these students brought into that kitchen was even better.
But Fire & Flair was never just about a cooking competition.
It was about giving young people an opportunity to be seen, be heard, be encouraged and know that there is a place for them in this industry.
That part is deeply personal to me.
I got my first restaurant job when I was 15 years old, and in so many ways, this industry saved my life. It gave me somewhere to belong. It helped keep me off the streets the best it could. It gave me responsibility, mentors, friendships and eventually a purpose. Hospitality opened doors for me that I never could have imagined at 15.
If we can do even a little bit of that for the next generation, then every hour that went into yesterday was worth it.
And there were A LOT of hours.
So many people gave their time, talent, energy, products, mentorship and love to make this happen. Our Everett’s team, our volunteers, our lake neighbors, the chefs and hospitality professionals who showed up for these students, US Foods, Bargreen Ellingson, NACE Anchorage, Alaska CHARR and everyone who helped behind the scenes — THANK YOU.
A very special thank you to Chef Marc Anthony Bynum and Gina Bynum for coming all the way from New York and believing in what we are trying to build. Having people with that level of experience invest their time into young people means more than I can put into words.
And to Chef Channing, Chef Rebecca, Chef, Rob, Chef Naomi & everyone who stepped into that kitchen to teach, encourage and work alongside these students — thank you.
There was laughter. There were nerves. There was a little friendly competition. There were beautiful plates of food. There were new relationships being built around a table.
And there were six young people who got to walk into a professional kitchen and show us what they could do.
That is Fire & Flair.
Real food. Real people. Brighter futures.
Yesterday was the beginning. I cannot wait to see what this becomes and how many young people we can reach in the years ahead.
To our six competitors: you should be incredibly proud. We certainly are. 👏👏👏👏👏
Thank you, ALASKA. It really does take a village — and ours showed up. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
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