Karl Benko, born in Akron, Ohio, began his culinary journey at the young age of 12, working in his sister’s tavern, where he washed dishes and learned the art of cooking from his brother-in-law. He continued to cook through high school, briefly attended the University of Akron, and then returned to the kitchen full-time. His passion for cooking grew through high school and beyond, eventually leading him to culinary school in Detroit, where he trained under a renowned chef. Karl loves the fast-paced energy of service and is dedicated to taking care of both guests and his team. Outside the kitchen, he enjoys family time with his wife, Carrie, and son, AJ at their cabin in Brown County. He also loves to go foraging for wild food and has written about his culinary finds for an outdoor magazine.