The Maestros of the Menu (Employee Spotlight)

From gourmet dishes like the Salmon Niçoise Salad — to indulgent pub fare like the Wisconsin Cheddar Burger — the Top Hat kitchen staff is talented and well versed in their culinary exploration.

You might not see them regularly, but the people creating these tasty dishes are often down in the kitchen for long periods of time, working hard to deliver a dining experience that they can be proud of.

Each of the three kitchen managers are passionate about their jobs, and enjoy what they do. These back of house bosses are a big reason why the Top Hat restaurant has become a favorite for many Missoulians, so we thought it was time to introduce them to you.

Billy Metzger - Head Chef

Where are you from?

Mobile, Alabama

How long have you lived in Missoula?

Moved to Missoula in 2002

Favorite part about your job?

Creating new menu items and having smooth service on an insanely busy night.

Why did you move to Missoula?

My sister moved here for work and I was visiting, got a job, and met my wife.  Now my sister and her family, my mom, and brother live here.

What has been your favorite Logjam concert?

Fav. Top Hat show Lettuce, Wilma show Drive by Truckers, and KettleHouse Amphitheater show Tedeschi Trucks.

What do you like to do when you’re not in the kitchen?

Hang out with my boys.  Will, my oldest son is 5 years old, and my younger son, Greg, is 7 months.

Who are you currently listening to most?

I’m usually listening to sports radio when I’m in the car.  I listen to a lot of old Panic, TTB, Allman Brothers, Jason Isbell, Drive by Truckers… stuff like that. My favorite song right now without a doubt is Sneaky Snake. You should check it out.

What’s your favorite meal to order at the Top Hat?

Cheeseburger and fries

What’s your favorite meal to prepare at the Top Hat?

Any of our truly made-from-scratch pasta dishes

Favorite beverage?

New England style IPAs.  Imagine Nation is killing it making this style right now.

If you could go back in time to watch any artist perform, who would it be?

Grateful Dead with Duane Allman circa 1970. Listen here.

Craig Thomas - Sous Chef

Where are you from?

Woodinville, WA

How long have you lived in Missoula?

4 Years

Favorite part about your job?

Food and my co workers

Why did you move to Missoula?

I wanted to get out of Washington and get into some Montana mountains

What has been your favorite Logjam concert?

Nathaniel Ratleiff and the Night Sweats

What do you like to do when you’re not in the kitchen?

Mountain bike, cook, and play video games

Who are you currently listening to most?

Nathaniel Rateliff, Joe Bonamassa, Derek Trucks, Crosby Stills and Nash

What’s your favorite meal to order at the Top Hat?

Spicy jerk chicken wrap

What’s your favorite meal to prepare at the Top Hat?

I like to cook good food… so all of them!

Favorite beverage?

Beer

If you could go back in time to watch any artist perform, who would it be?

Jimi Hendrix

Dan Heavyrunner - Kitchen Manager

Where are you from?

Kalispell, Montana

How long have you lived in Missoula?

25 years

Favorite part about your job?

Cooking great food and having a wonderful team to work with.

Why did you move to Missoula?

I was born in Kalispell and moved to Missoula when I was a year old, so not much of a choice, but I’m happy I did!

What has been your favorite Logjam concert?

Oh boy, that’s a hard question. There are so many good shows that have come through Logjam. I would have to say Ween, Gramatik or Chris Lake. Too many to choose from.

What do you like to do when you’re not in the kitchen?

Family activities and I like to work on music. I recently played The Mad Hat on Oct. 12 under my musical moniker 3DHR.

Who are you currently listening to most?

Tama Impala, Ween, Thievery Corporation, and Jimi Hendrix

What’s your favorite meal to order at the Top Hat?

Spicy jerk chicken wrap

What’s your favorite meal to prepare at the Top Hat?

I just love cooking, so most of the items are really fun to prepare.

Favorite beverage?

I would have to say coffee… second to beer.

If you could go back in time to watch any artist perform, who would it be?

Either Jimi Hendrix or Johnny Cash

See what the guys are cookin’ up now and check out the Top Hat’s new fall menu here.