898: Ben Smart Executive Chef/Partner at Big Grove Brewery

<p>With excitement, allow me to introduce to you today's guest, Executive Chef and Partner at <a href="https://biggrove.com/">Big Grove Brewery</a>, Ben Smart. An Iowa City native, Ben studied Geo Science at the University of Iowa. After graduating, it didn't take long for Ben to realize that he wasn't cut out for the office life, so he went back to study at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids to study Culinary Arts. After a few short stints cooking in Iowa City, IA and Kansas City, MO, Ben moved to Woodinville, WA in 2008 to work at The Herbfarm. He didn't know it then, but he would spend the next six years of his career at The Herbfarm. In 2012, Ben and his family were ready to make the move back to Iowa, and coincidently, he got a call from an old family friend for an opportunity to be the Executive Chef at a new restaurant opening in Solon, IA; Big Grove Brewery. Ben jumped at the opportunity. Today Ben is a Partner in Big Grove Brewery in Solon, IA, Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City, IA, Pullmans Bar and Diner in Iowa City, IA, and St. Burch's Tavern in Iowa City, IA.</p> <p>Today’s feature affiliate: Bentobox. In need of a restaurant website? Click <a href= "https://getbento.com/signup/?ref=Resta18">this link</a> to find out why so many of my guests use Bentobox!</p> <h2>Show notes…</h2> <h3>Calls to ACTION!!!</h3> <ul> <li>Join <a href= "https://www.restaurantunstoppablenetwork.com/plans/47357?bundle_token=17a3bdca1ccbc19303dff68d05df5ab2&utm_source=manual">Restaurant Unstoppable Network</a> and get your first 30 days on me!  Connect with my past guest and a community of superfans.</li> <li>Subscribe to the <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJSERtxnAE3V7T9PQ19w_Og">Restaurant Unstoppable YouTube Channel</a></li> <li>Join the private <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/groups/493649961457862/">Unstoppable Facebook Group</a></li> <li>Join the email list! (Scroll Down to get the Vendor List!)</li> </ul> <h3>Favorite success quote or mantra:</h3> <ul> <li>"Show me your friends, I'll show you your f