Broc Willis

No stranger to hard work and collaboration, Southpark’s Executive Chef, Broc Willis hopes to use both in his role at Southpark. With his approachable demeanor, big grin and a swagger that can only come from living in Texas, Broc hopes to channel and distill the collective expertise of the Southpark team to create dishes as distinct and compelling as the man who created them.

Growing up in San Antonio, Texas, Broc had a natural curiosity and love of food that developed organically from home cooked meals and family vegetable gardens. Broc’s first job in the culinary world came at the age of nineteen where he washed dishes and prepped food at Holidaze Bar and Grill, a small locals’ hangout in Hobbs, New Mexico. From these humble beginnings Broc learned the ins and outs of a working restaurant and fell in love with the energy and environment of a busy kitchen. He moved to the Best Western Steven’s Inn in Carlsbad, where he jumpstarted his creative juices by experimenting with new dishes and flavor combinations.

Realizing he wanted food to be a lifelong career, Broc moved to Portland to attend the Western Culinary Institute. After graduation he took various jobs throughout Oregon including positions at McMenamins Black Rabbit Restaurant at Edgefield, the Wayfarer in Cannon Beach and Ambrosia in Seaside. Broc eventually returned to Portland to join Pazzo Ristorante and along the way perfected his skills using fresh Northwest ingredients while developing a passion for delicious, simply prepared foods.

In 2003 Broc settled in at Southpark.  Broc’s vision for Southpark is tied to his own past. Remembering childhood meals filled with produce served straight from the garden and catfish fresh from the pond, he sees Southpark as a connection between diners and the local farmers and fishermen whose products go into creating their meal. Many daily deliveries ensure the restaurant is stocked with the freshest ingredients available and offers Broc a chance to chat with the growers and get the scoop on seasonal availability from individual producers. Each day the restaurant displays the day’s “Farmer’s Connection,” a special meal featuring the best from Southpark’s local vendors.

When he’s not in the kitchen wrangling the staff or expediting orders Broc can be found relaxing and spending time with his family.

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