Chef de Cuisine

Ben Barnas

Ben Barnas hails from Marietta, Ohio, a small town nestled on the West Virginia border along the Ohio River. After spending over a year in northwest Colorado, Chef Ben moved to Indianapolis, drawn by the city's vibrant atmosphere and a desire to be closer to family. His journey in the culinary world spans over a decade, beginning after an injury ended his college baseball career. The team-oriented, fast-paced environment of the kitchen captivated him, and he found inspiration in food travel shows by figures like Anthony Bourdain and Action Bronson, discovering how food could connect people from all walks of life.

Chef Ben's culinary career began with dishwashing in his hometown, but it was his time in Colorado that proved to be the most transformative. Under the guidance of two patient and talented chefs, he honed his skills and became the chef he is today. His menus are influenced by his family, girlfriend, and cat, as well as the culinary creativity he sees on social media and from chefs in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Cincinnati. Chef Ben is passionate about showcasing the fine dining talent in the Midwest, a region often overlooked in the shadow of Chicago.

When he's not in the kitchen, Chef Ben enjoys relaxing with his girlfriend, Alexis, and their cat, Fish. They love watching Love Island, Real Housewives, and good movies, all while savoring a great bottle of wine.