Today we’d like to introduce you to Noel Willhite.
Hi Noel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From an early age, my cooking inspiration came from my grandmother and our family gatherings. When I became old enough to work, kitchens were the only environment that I felt comfortable/natural in. Once in college, I sought out a culinary education out of necessity, with the reasoning that “people will always need to eat, therefore work will always be available”. I immediately began to travel from city to city in order to absorb as much as possible, cooking in Las Vegas, Maui, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Settling in Florida to start a family, this has become home.
Drawing from early inspirations and a personal attachment to diners, I am pushing to open a local neighborhood restaurant with an early American/ art deco theme. Recreating dishes from the greatest generation and presenting them in an upscale casual environment. Something about today’s macroeconomic conditions draws me towards diners, as we focus more on comfort cooking, rationing, and family and less on the fine dining experience.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to get here has had its ups and downs. The hospitality industry can be grueling on one’s physical and mental health and has presented many challenges with work/life balance as I pushed for more and more, but it has been an incredibly rewarding experience that has also introduced me to many of the great friends and peers I have met along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a child, I played the cello, and into my early 20’s was a classical/Spanish guitarist. My hobbies today include studying macroeconomics, (which led me to blockchain/ distributed ledger technology, digital assets), I also enjoy golfing and spending time with family
What makes you happy?
I find peace and serenity leading a sober life and surrounding myself with positive people and good energy. I love learning about new cultures and music and traveling as often as I can.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cornerspotdiner.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cornerspotdiner/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cornerspotdiner
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cornerspotdiner
