2009 and Beyond!

Last Updated (Friday, 27 November 2009 23:35) Written by Chef S. Dean Corbett Thursday, 26 March 2009 00:00

It's hard to believe Corbett's will be 2-years old on December 15th of this year!

Time flew bye and we are thrilled to not only have survived the economic recession but remain thriving as well. With the recent opening of Norton Hospital and the opening of Kosair's Children's Hospital to look forward to in 2010, I think Corbett's will be sustained for a long time to come.

Among the multitude of challenges and decisions I face on a daily basis, so many of which are handled by my management team, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all of them for there hard work and dedication for they are Corbett's! Troy, Gina, Kevin, Chris, Tavis and César... You guy's are the finest crew I have ever been associated with. Setting our sights as high as we did, while meeting our own ridiculously high expectations day after day. What can I say other than it's an honor to continue serving the public with you!

Looking ahead in 2010, Corbett's will be ramping-up the wine list to where it needs to be. Don't get me wrong, Troy Ritchie has done a fantastic job keeping the inventory levels in check as I beat him over the head!!! (Just kidding, Troy.) We need to continue pushing the envelope of creativity and consistency. I can honestly say that our staff shares and understands this ethic and strives on a daily basis to carefully ensure our guest's expectations.

As a chef, I selfishly hope to keep "the buzz" alive through our cuisine and standard of service, setting us apart not only as the best restaurant destination in Louisville, but also as one of the top-ranking restaurants in the country. This is my primary focus as a leader and culinary artist.

Giving back to the city is also a necessary role that I continue to serve. Though at times I feel that we may be "charitied-out", We will give till it hurts, even at times to the point of financial detriment. I have always been a believer in giving back to the community. Rallying with our supporters to help those less fortunate. Times are difficult for so many people who probably thought that, "hell, this won't happen to me".. Rising unemployment, families losing homes... At any rate, we continue to help in any way possible.

Equus celebrates 25 years in 2010! I can still remember the first day on the job and every employee that worked there. (Only seven staff members back then!) Now I have close to 100 employees with all 3 restaurants rocking! As I grow older I forget some of the short-timers. Please forgive me. Must be an age thing.

Life at home is great! Julie and my beautiful boy's, Jack (4 yrs.) and Max (2 yrs.) are doing just fine. The boy's keep us hopping and laughing most of the time or as my bride responds when I comment "they're sooo cute"... she replies, "can be".

As I get ready to nail this holiday work load with a passion, I hope I have the good sense to take time and remember to enjoy my wonderful family and friends who have all been so great to me.

Salud! – Deano