We had the good fortune of connecting with Lance Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lance, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was inspired to start Tagged Out Kitchen organically. During my time as an instructor at a culinary school in Denver, I taught a course on whole hog butchery. My observations while working with students revealed that most of them were there to learn about whole animal butchery for the purpose of applying those skills to wild game and hunting. It only seemed natural to create a much more immersive course that touched base on many other aspects of hunting and especially focused on the culinary side.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Approximately annual 8 billion dollars industry are spent each year in the outdoors industry, which focuses mostly on gear, paid hunting opportunities, and adventure travel. However, there are few opportunities for new hunters to acquire education and skills. Having been an avid hunter and outdoorsman my whole life, I noticed that the demographics of the target market had changed over the years. My father introduced me to the outdoors at an early age. While growing up, he passed on all the skills he had acquired from his mentors. Since most new hunters are starting their adventure at an older age, they are looking for opportunities to develop their skills. With Tagged Out Kitchen I am striving to create non-intimidating events that touch on every aspect of hunting. From basic marksmanship, shot placement for ethical harvest, post harvest care, butchery and finally into the kitchen for a comprehensive hands-on session with myself and my team of Chef instructors to teach you how to cook your harvested game. We create a menu and lesson plan that covers everything from the everyday to the 5 star.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Denver is an incredible place to live, and there are so many amazing local restaurants and places to visit! The foothills are right at our doorstep, so there is no shortage of fun things to do, just a short drive from downtown. Red Rocks Amphitheater is a historical must-see, and while you are up that way, I highly recommend a walk through Golden, CO. You can grab THE BEST burger in town at Bob’s Atomic Burger and tour the Coors brewery. Wrap up your day with a walk down Clear Creek and drinks at Golden Moon Distillery, and Speakeasy has handcrafted cocktails and spirits that will blow your mind!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to thank my wife Shannon Garcia-Lewis first and foremost. None of this would have been possible without her support. She is my rock and the best COO, CFO and social media person out there. The next thing I would like to say is thank you to my dad for teaching me about the ethics and skills of the outdoors. Finally, I’d like to thank my family, friends, and those I’ve had the pleasure of working with for their support and motivation.

Website: www.taggedoutkitchen.com

Instagram: @taggedoutkitchen

Image Credits
Photos by: Andrea Bogard

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