STAFF FOCUS: Neil Trumler⁠

A LEADER ON the kitchen’s frontlines, Sous Chef Neil Trumler has helped feed homebound families, hospital workers, and community members since the start of COVID-19. ⁠
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AN OKLAHOMA NATIVE, Neil went to culinary school in Portland before working in fine dining restaurants in Orlando, Alaska, Kansas City, Tulsa, and Melbourne. Despite a background in gourmet cooking, Neil sees comfort food as king during these times.⁠
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NEIL RECALLS the launch of our carryout and delivery services as challenging, but is inspired by the overwhelming amount of support from the Charlottesville community. With the House’s reopening last Wednesday, he looks forward to expanding the menu with new dishes and new ways to dine to meet every comfort level. ⁠
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WHEN HE ISN’T COOKING, Neil and his wife, Sarah, are involved in the @dardenmba community, where Sarah is completing her final year of business school. Neil serves as a Hospitality Chair on the Darden’s Partners Association and actively finds ways to support local businesses and initiatives.⁠
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ON SUNDAY, he and co-chef, Ian Hawk, volunteered at “C’Ville Chef for Change” to support the Black Lives Matter Movement. All food sales went to the NAACP Defense Fund and 100 Black Men of Central Virginia. They look forward to more events to come.