Name: Christopher Collins
Title: Owner / Chef of Twisted Grove Parlor + Bar, Grassroots Kitchen & Tap
Twisted Grove Parlor + Bar Facebook
Grassroots Kitchen & Tap Facebook
Age: 33
Married/Single: Married
Kids: Two boys
City you live in: Phoenix, AZ
My day is like…
a non-stop game of basketball moving from one court (restaurant) to the next.
I was born…
in Reno, Nevada.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
how proud I am to call Arizona home. I have traveled and lived all over the country and I always enjoyed people’s responses to being an Arizonian.
I’m listening to…
my wife.
My family…
is truly the most important aspect of my life. I have the best parents in the world, my five siblings are my best friends, my wife is my partner in all things, my children are the center of my happiness and my ten nieces and nephews give me joy every day.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
my great grandfather, he was the Maitre D’ at Gallager’s Steak House in NYC during 1930’s. He also ran the Saratoga Race Track. He started what has become four generations of restaurateurs.
One thing I cannot live without…
my pillows. Every trip we take I always bring my pillows from home.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
sincerely, I always wanted to run restaurants from the time I was a 5-year-old boy.
I’m inspired by…
people who work hard and put everything on the line. If someone has a great idea or passion I am inspired when they commit themselves to achieving success.
The one person who motivates me is…
my father, Wally Collins. He is my friend, mentor and life long coach.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
the current state of our political landscape. I don’t know how to fix it but I hope someone shows up soon to do what’s right.
The perfect day would be…
bbq, beer, pool and the kids.
My first job was…
carrying out pies for older guest at my father’s Marie Calendar’s restaurant.
My favorite escape…
swinging up to Sedona and taking in the beautiful scenery.
My life…
has been very fortunate and I am thankful for everything that I have.
I’m currently working on…
a new dessert concept called “Sweet Provisions”. Think homemade ice cream, brownies, pie, cookies and treats that your grandparents would have enjoyed at their local creamery.
Always…
have a positive attitude.
Never…
treat others poorly.
Favorite Quote…
“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” – James Beard
Biggest Dream…
to watch my two son’s grow up to be happy, healthy and successful parents.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
lazy people, fat free mayonnaise, traffic…the list is pretty short.
