[ discover wv ]
In the Chef ’ s Corner
Christopher ’ s Eats
PAIGE KOCOUREK
Photo by Rick Lee .
Located in Huntington , WV , Christopher ’ s Eats is an upscale American restaurant fueled by its community . Christopher ’ s serves fresh , homemade cuisine with a mission of bringing people together . A relaxed and eclectic atmosphere creates a beautiful yet approachable space that lets customers lose themselves in their culinary experience . The restaurant was opened to the public in January 2013 and has since gained a loyal following . The unique culture offers something different , not only in its food but also in its environment of quality and fun .
Eight and a half years ago , Christopher Dixon received a call from his cousins and business partners , David and Jeremy Adams , who asked if he wanted to open a restaurant in Huntington . Dixon was working in Baton Rouge , LA , at the time and , after some serious thought , felt compelled to follow his dream of being a chef at his own restaurant .
“ I ’ ve wanted to be a chef and restaurant owner since middle school , so I had some ideas in my back pocket already ,” Dixon says .
Dixon and his wife , Laura , moved back to Huntington in August 2012 with his friends Brian Geary and Tremaine Bolds , who helped get the business off the ground . He had spent part of his childhood in this familiar town , as well as attending a year of college at Marshall University , so assimilating back into the Cabell County community felt natural .
“ Cabell County and West Virginia are ingrained in who I am and how I was raised . I have family here . I have lifelong friends here ,” he says . “ When I came back for Christopher ’ s , my wife , Laura , came with me . Who could ask for more ? It ’ s always been a special place for me with nothing but love .”
Dixon ’ s passion for culinary arts combines perfectly with his passion for the community . This is evident through Christopher ’ s Eats ’ dedication to delivering an excellent experience for its patrons .
“ There is no better feeling than when someone has a great experience because of the hard work we put in . The
leadership team coaches employees so well that our food , service and inviting and fun atmosphere become second nature and our way of life ,” explains Dixon , who is now the owner and head chef at the restaurant .
While the atmosphere and quality customer service play an essential role in the restaurant business , Dixon ’ s cooking is nothing short of delectable and draws people to the establishment . He attributes the inspiration for his cooking to his family . He grew up surrounded by people who were passionate about food . From his grandfathers , who made homemade ice cream , to his mom , who made dinner a family affair , the chef truly believes it is in his blood .
“ I went to culinary school to learn certain things like international cuisine , flavor profiles , techniques and all the fancy stuff if you will ,” he says . “ But it ’ s my family and heritage that gave me the passion and drive to do what we do at Christopher ’ s . They have always been , and still are , so supportive , and it means the world to me .”
Each recipe at Christopher ’ s is crafted fresh and from scratch . Just as impressively , the team places great value in supporting the local West Virginia community . They source as many ingredients as possible close to home so the money and business stays local . For example , Christopher ’ s Eats sources its dough for the signature flatbread entrées from Brunetti Italian Bakery in Kenova . They get their produce from Cook Brothers Produce out of Beckley and Charleston , and they work with Buzz Food Service in Charleston to supply much of their beef and other proteins . As a result , those sitting for a meal at Christopher ’ s can be sure the food is not only fresh but thoughtfully sourced .
Christopher ’ s Eats offers both a lunch and dinner menu , as well as Sunday brunch . The diverse menu offers a range of flavors , from a hamburger created from a signature grind to ribeye cut at the neighboring butcher shop . Guests can choose to enjoy favorites like Greek shrimp pasta , Atlantic salmon , grilled peach salad and meatloaf . The selections do
128
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE