A West Virginia native and accomplished chef advocates for Wheeling to celebrate its quirky history and individualist spirit to attract and cultivate more “weird” folks like himself.
Recently, I had the privilege of attending the National ProStart Invitational, a remarkable showcase for high school culinary talent across the United States.
This event, organized by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, brings together young chefs and aspiring managers to compete in a high-pressure environment that mirrors the real-world culinary industry.
Watching these students, many from economically challenged backgrounds, reminded me of the incredible potential we have in Wheeling, West Virginia, to cultivate a thriving community that embraces creativity and innovation.
At the competition, culinary students faced the challenge of preparing a three-course meal using only two butane burners. Their creativity and skill were on full display.
Similarly, the management teams pitched restaurant concepts in a Shark Tank-style format, showcasing their business acumen and vision for the future.
As I reflected on my own journey to becoming a chef and restaurant owner, from washing dishes in college to running kitchens across the country, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between these young competitors and the spirit of innovation that has always been present in Wheeling.
Judging the Knife Skills category on the floor in Baltimore for National ProStart Invitational 2025. The higher the toque the closer to God.
Much like New York’s original artists and thinkers—Jean-Michel Basquiat comes to mind—who rose from the fringes of society to gain recognition, our community is filled with individuals ready to break the mold and contribute something unique.
Wheeling, with its rich history and diverse culture, has the potential to be a beacon of creativity and acceptance of newcomers and new ideas.
Culinary arts already play a pivotal role in our community, with an abundance of locally owned restaurants and a strong culinary program at West Virginia Northern Community College.
However, to truly flourish, we must embrace the “weird” that makes us unique.
In a world where cookie-cutter chains dominate, people are searching for authentic experiences and places that reflect their individuality.
We must lean into our quirks, our history, and our unconventional spirit to attract those seeking a community where they can thrive.
This is not just about attracting tourists or new residents; it’s about creating an environment where creativity can flourish and where everyone feels welcome to express their true selves.
The younger generations are leading the charge in this movement. They are more open to being themselves and demand acceptance for their uniqueness.
In Wheeling, we have a unique opportunity to foster this mindset and establish a community that celebrates individuality, or as I affectionately call them and myself, the “weird.”
Chief Logan State Park. One of the added benefits of being the Executive Chef for West Virginia State Parks is getting to ride the best roads in the most beautiful place in the world.
Imagine a city that embraces its quirks and promotes its oddities, much like the towns that have successfully capitalized on their unique histories and cultures, such as Salem, Massachusetts.
Let’s reframe our narrative. Instead of shying away from our admittedly at times odd past, we should celebrate it.
Take our name, for example:
The name “Wheeling” is derived from a Lenni-Lenape phrase, wih link or wee lunk, translating to “place of the head” or “place of the skull”. Historically, this refers to a white settler being scalped and decapitated on Wheeling Creek, with the head displayed to deter travelers, marking it as a “skull place”.
Wheeling’s history, including “colorful” ties to organized crime and its founding role as a gateway to the West, is fascinating.
It’s a story that draws people in and sparks curiosity. We should not gloss over these aspects but rather embrace them as part of our identity.
As we move forward, I believe we can adopt a new motto for our city:
“Wheeling is for the Weird.”
This slogan could encapsulate the spirit of our community—a place that welcomes unconventional thinkers, artists, and innovators.
It’s time to court the weird, to invite those who think outside the box to come to Wheeling, set down roots, and contribute to our vibrant tapestry.
Let’s harness the power of our collective weirdness. Let’s foster a community that thrives on creativity, acceptance, and innovation.
By doing so, we can transform Wheeling into a destination for those seeking a place to belong, a place where they can contribute their unique perspectives and talents to the ever-evolving story of our great city.
Together, we can turn Wheeling into a shining example of what it means to embrace individuality and creativity, and, in doing so, inspire the next generation of thinkers and dreamers.
