Chef and entrepreneur Shaun Hazlitt's culinary journey began with a deep-rooted passion for food ignited by his grandmother and mother. From a young age, he began to hone his skills in the kitchen by developing a particular love for BBQ and smoking meats. His professional career took flight at Chateau On The Lake, followed by stints at renowned establishments such as Villa Balsamo, Morgan & Company, and then Bistro Tallulah, under the mentorship of celebrated local chef, Shawn Whalen.

In recent years, after a successful launch and run at Craft On 9, Shaun and his fiancee Renee embarked on a new venture, launching a food truck and catering business called Big Bear Co. Their dedication to providing exceptional culinary experiences led them to consider an additional brick-and-mortar restaurant. This opportunity presented itself when Shaun's friend, Chef-Owner Rob Murphy of Craft On 9 was faced with medical challenges, prompting him to step away from the restaurant location and pass the torch to Shaun and Renee.
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Chef Shaun's vision for Southpaw Bistro is to offer innovative and exciting dishes, while maintaining a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. By sourcing local and regional products, we aim to create memorable moments for both the local community and visitors to enjoy. Chef Shaun and his team's commitment to buying local ingredients throughout the 518 area code reflect his belief in the importance of integrity in health and consumption.