Meet Tyler Hunt | Chef

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

Hi Tyler, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After spending over 12 years in the working in the industry I realized that my work had taken me to three states and 7 different restaurants and I had worked just about every position in a kitchen you can think of. after making it to those lead positions where your running the show you start to think about what’s next. so when it came time to make my next move starting my own business and finally working for myself was just a natural next step.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
although I started dabbling in kitchens in high school it wasn’t until college I switched to working full time in restaurants. it didn’t take long to realize I was a natural fit in the kitchen and started to fall in love with it. after working in pizza shops in Tallahassee, fl I found my self living and cooking in Denver, CO for a couple years before settling down in Charleston, SC. It was in Charleston that I really came in to my own and started to hone in on craft while working at Husk restaurant for Chef Travis Grimes. working in kitchens is never easy, especially once you make it to a certain level producing the highest quality food. the grind can be relentless, but it’s absolutely worth it. to produce something beautiful under such extreme conditions and to come out smiling on the other end is such a great feeling. the only way to achieve this is with a team. you have to surround yourself with people that want it just as badly as you do and are willing to go the distance with you. that’s what makes restaurants to special. the family you end up with in the end. Legend Deli was born out of this. a desire to produce the best quality food along side the people you love doing it with.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
wow where to even begin Charleston has no shortage of amazing things to do. being ton the coast of south Carolina you definitely have to hit the beach. folly beach or Sullivan’s island are both great choices. this time of year after the beach you have to catch a Charleston river dogs baseball game then end the night at the royal american for a cold beverage and a patty melt. ;you cant come to Charleston without a day of bouncing around the peninsula where you’re surround by history and great restaurants and bars. some great bars to stop by are Macs Place, Burns alley, and The Lucky Luchador. and some cant miss restaurants, to name only a few, include Verns, Chubby Fish, and 167 raw. catching a show at the pour house then saying hi to the fellas at Paddock and Whiskey is always a good to too. see charelston is a hospitality town to its core. everywhen you and everyone you meet will be inviting and ready to treat you to a good time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
there have been so many people over the years that have inspired me and helped me get to where I am today but one person in particular that deserves a shout-out is my business partner and one of my best friends Chaz wendel. he’s just one of those guys that always has your back, that’s always positive, and is always doing for others before himself. hes an inspiration every day at work and there’s no way I am where I am without him. He is a true legend!

Website: Legebnddeli.com

Instagram: @legenddeli_chs