Christian Hayes (chef) facts for kids

Christian Hayes, born on March 10, 1980, is a talented chef and restaurant owner from Portland, Maine, in the United States. He is well-known for winning an episode of Food Network's cooking show Chopped in 2018.

From 2019 to 2024, he owned and was the head chef at The Garrison, a restaurant in Yarmouth, Maine. Since 2009, Christian and his wife, Christine, have also owned Dandelion Catering Company. This company is based in Yarmouth's Sparhawk Mill.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when his restaurant had to close, Hayes opened a new place called Thoroughfare in February 2021. It was located on Yarmouth's Main Street in an old corner store known as Andy's Handy Store. Before becoming a full-time chef, Hayes was also a musician. From 2003 to 2012, he was the lead singer and guitarist for a band called Sidecar Radio.

Becoming a Chef

Christian Hayes started cooking in 1997. He worked in many different types of kitchens, from quick breakfast spots to steakhouses and fancy restaurants in Portland. He even worked at an Asian-inspired restaurant called Natasha's.

In 2008, Hayes and his wife started Dandelion Catering. Their goal was to provide high-quality, locally sourced food for events like weddings. They wanted to use fresh ingredients instead of pre-made or frozen ones, which was common in the catering industry. Within three years of starting the company, Hayes left his music career to focus completely on Dandelion Catering with his wife.

Winning Chopped

In March 2018, before opening his first restaurant, Hayes appeared on Food Network's popular show Chopped. He competed in an episode where all the dishes had to feature pork. He won the competition by using different parts of the pig, like pork brains and cheeks.

Opening Restaurants

In July 2019, Hayes and his wife opened The Garrison. This cozy restaurant was located on the Royal River in Yarmouth, Maine. It quickly became very popular and received great reviews.

When the COVID-19 pandemic caused The Garrison to close its indoor dining in March 2020, Hayes started a take-out service called Thoroughfare. He focused on making tasty, fast-food style items like smash burgers and fried chicken sandwiches. This idea was so successful that Thoroughfare soon moved into its own building on Main Street, with a storefront, outdoor seating, and a take-out window. The Garrison closed in July 2024, and Thoroughfare closed shortly after.

Helping Others

Christian Hayes is also known for his humanitarian work, which means helping people in need.

In 2022, Hayes joined the Chef Relief Team for Chef José Andrés’ organization, World Central Kitchen. He traveled to the Poland/Ukrainian border cities of Przemysl and Medyka. There, he cooked and provided meals for thousands of refugees who were leaving Ukraine every day.

Since 2015, Hayes and his wife's teams have prepared and donated Thanksgiving dinners to families in Maine who needed help. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when his businesses were closed for a long time, they continued this tradition. Hayes would even deliver the meals himself with his young daughters.

In October 2022, Christian Hayes was recognized as one of Maine Magazine's 'Mainers of the Year'. This honor was given especially for his important work overseas with World Central Kitchen.

Family Life

Christian Hayes is a seventh-generation Mainer, meaning his family has lived in Maine for many generations. He was mainly raised by his mother.

He is married to Christine Hayes. They have been together since 2003 and married since 2008. They have two children. Their relationship started when they both worked at Big Sky Bakery in Portland, Maine. Christine is a co-owner of Dandelion Catering, The Garrison, and Thoroughfare with Christian. She also manages the human resources and general operations for their hospitality businesses.

Images for kids

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  The Garrison, in Yarmouth's Sparhawk Mill, 2021

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  Thoroughfare, Main Street, Yarmouth, 2022