Tyler Meeks
SouthPark Sous Chef Tyler Meeks’s undeniable work ethic and creative ideas have placed him as this month’s Craftsmen of Legion highlight. Tyler staked his claim in the kitchen early on, showing off his skills and talents by helping Chef Gene create several staple dishes that you see on the menu today.
BBQ Bowl, Legion Brewing SouthPark Brunch
Tyler’s biggest contribution to date has been the BBQ Breakfast Bowl, found on Legion Sunday Brunch Menu. This delicious, hearty dish features warm chopped pork BBQ topped with potatoes, eggs, cheddar cheese and green onions. “I'm a meat and potatoes type of guy when it comes to breakfast, so I just wanted to make something I would want to eat,” Tyler says. “That's basically my inspiration for most of my food – is it something that I would order when I go out?”
Tyler is also known for helping make Legion’s popular southern-style biscuits on a weekly basis, claiming he learned how to master the art of biscuit making from his mom at a young age. “I used to make biscuits with my mom all the time when I was a kid and she would tell me about how she would make them with her grandma - they were both great traditional southern cooks.” Whether served on the Juicy Jay Chicken Breakfast sandwich, ordered as a side item to compliment your meal, or paired with one of Legion’s homemade jams – these mouthwatering biscuits are guaranteed to level up your brunch experience.
Aside from Chef Gene, Tyler credits Sean Brock, David Chang and the late Anthony Bourdain for being his biggest inspirations, praising their ability to create amazing new things and continuously push limits.
Tyler started his culinary career as many others did - working long hours as a dishwasher and eventually making his way up into the kitchen. After learning the ropes, Tyler was ready to take his talents to the next level and enrolled in culinary school in 2012. After working at several different restaurants in Charlotte over the years, Tyler officially joined the Legion family in mid 2018. He began his training at Legion Plaza Midwood and he eventually transitioned to Legion SouthPark several months later, where he remains today.
“I adapt quickly to new situations and have been able to overcome anything that has been thrown at me so far.” Tyler explains, “I’ve always been one of the youngest people in any kitchen I’ve worked in but I’ve never let that hold me back.”
In his spare time, Tyler loves making his own ramen from scratch, hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing, hanging with his cats: Miso and Sirloin, and having lots of potlucks with friends. “My friends and I will get together every month or so and have a dinner night where everyone contributes a dish, always a great time and a good place to try out new food ideas on people.”
Tyler’s hardworking nature and work ethic is something that truly sets him apart, making him a very valued member of the Legion team! Tyler said he wants continue to grow and learn from Chef Gene in hopes of one day running his own kitchen for Legion.