From Athlete to Chef: Morgan's Culinary Journey

Growing up, Morgan was a natural athlete, excelling in sports like soccer, basketball, and football. However, a series of injuries during his college soccer career led him to a different path – one that would ultimately lead him to become a renowned chef and the executive chef at Little Fish Brewing in Dayton, Ohio.

Discovering a Passion for the Culinary Arts

### From the Sidelines to the KitchenDespite his athletic prowess, Morgan's journey took an unexpected turn when he suffered a series of debilitating injuries during his freshman year of college. Undeterred, he transferred to Ohio University, where he discovered a newfound passion for the culinary arts. Drawing on his family's catering business and his love for travel, Morgan immersed himself in the world of hospitality, working as a short-order cook and honing his skills in the kitchen.### Embracing the Farm-to-Table ConceptMorgan's interest in the farm-to-table restaurant concept was deeply rooted in his upbringing. From helping his grandmother with her catering business to raising livestock in 4-H, he had always been drawn to the idea of sourcing ingredients locally and supporting local farmers. This philosophy aligned perfectly with the mission of Little Fish Brewing, and when the opportunity arose to join the team, Morgan eagerly accepted.### Navigating the Pandemic and Expanding to DaytonThe COVID-19 pandemic presented its own set of challenges, but Morgan rose to the occasion. As the sole chef in the kitchen for months, he used the time to refine his skills and organization, preparing the brewery for its expansion to Dayton in 2022. With a keen eye for the local restaurant scene and a commitment to being an addition rather than a competitor, Morgan helped shape the new location's menu and culinary offerings.### Embracing Creativity and Balancing ClassicsAt Little Fish, Morgan's menus are a reflection of the seasonal availability of local ingredients. He works closely with farmers, like his brother and sister-in-law at MoSo Farm, to create dishes that highlight the best of what the region has to offer. While he enjoys experimenting with creative and innovative dishes, Morgan also understands the importance of offering classic, crowd-pleasing favorites that his customers crave.### Fostering Connections with Farmers and CustomersOne of the most rewarding aspects of Morgan's role as executive chef is the opportunity to collaborate with local farmers and witness their excitement when their products are featured in his dishes. Additionally, he finds great joy in interacting with his customers and seeing their reactions to the food he and his team have prepared. Despite the physical and mental challenges of the industry, these connections make it all worthwhile.### Expanding the Culinary ExperienceBeyond the daily operations of the kitchen, Morgan is excited about the beer dinners and monthly pizza nights that Little Fish Brewing hosts. These special events allow him and his team to showcase their creativity and highlight the diverse culinary offerings of the Dayton region.As Morgan continues to navigate his culinary journey, his passion for local, seasonal ingredients, his commitment to supporting the community, and his drive to create exceptional dining experiences have made him a rising star in the Dayton food scene.