Tony Burris is the executive chef of The Barley Hound, an American gastropub and the first of its kind in Prescott. The restaurant–which Burris has helmed since October 2021–features a recently remodeled interior, a dog-friendly patio and elevated comfort food. Learn about Tony Burris…
Hometown: Grand Island, Nebraska
First job: Corn detasseling
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: Some of my favorite moments in Arizona come from exploring the beautiful wildland that surrounds the state. Sunrises and sunsets are hard to beat. I love visiting historic places such as Tumacácori National Historical Park near Tucson or Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: My biggest accomplishment, although a common one, is graduating from college and getting a degree in Environmental Science along with also pursuing my dream of attending culinary school. I remind myself of that because at one moment in my life, I was asked to take a break from school because I was not reaching the required GPA. It was a low moment for me, but I decided that I could be better and I wanted to do better. After a year off from school, I made a big transition and moved to Prescott to attend college, where I was able to refocus and graduate.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: The biggest obstacle I overcame is questioning and trusting myself. It is something I constantly work on daily.
Someone who inspires you and why: Everyone! Everyone is an inspiration to me because we never know what people are going through or have been through. People’s stories on how and why they have gotten to where they are fascinates and inspires me – it is what drives me to be better. So many people stand out in my mind when I think about this. One person who I look up to in my career path is Sean Brock. He is a chef in Tennessee and has overcome obstacles in his life while continuing to strive in the culinary arts. He is a James Beard Award-winning chef who is a leader in reclaiming heirloom ingredients.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Absorb and learn as much as you can from people who are willing to teach you, no matter how hard that lesson is.
Favorite quote: “We don’t do things until we do it right; we do things until we can’t get them wrong.” –Nick Saban
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: Birdwatching and stargazing are two of my most favorite things to do. I find so much inspiration from being in nature.
What makes someone fabulous: When someone takes the time to go the extra mile for someone else. A little kindness goes a long way.