For Chef Lee, cooking has never been just about food—it's about bringing people together.

A 1987 graduate of Linden-Kildare High School, Lee discovered his passion for cooking at just eleven years old when he made his very first pot of jambalaya. What started as a childhood curiosity became a lifelong pursuit. For more than twenty years, he cooked simply because he loved it, experimenting with flavors and creating meals for family and friends before deciding to turn that passion into a profession.

Lee later attended the Culinary Arts program at Tarrant County College, where he developed the technical skills that helped launch his culinary career. Along the way, he learned one of his greatest lessons while working at Allen Bros. under Charles R. Allen—that exceptional customer service and genuine hospitality are just as important as exceptional food.

His journey eventually led him to Austin, where he launched the Cajun food truck Lee's Hurricane Party near the University of Texas. The truck gained recognition from respected publications, including Austin Monthly and Texas Monthly, helping establish his reputation for bold flavors and creative cooking.

When the challenges of 2020 changed the restaurant industry, Lee made family his priority, relocating to Fort Worth to help care for his father while supporting his mother. During that time, he served as Executive Chef at Fuel, where one of his signature burgers—now featured on the Fire & Knives menu—was recognized as one of the Top 5 burgers in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

Eventually, life brought him back home to East Texas, where he founded Fire & Knives. What began as a simple takeout concept has grown into a full-service restaurant and the neighboring Fire & Knives Tavern, known for chef-crafted dishes, warm hospitality, live music, private events, weddings, community gatherings, Veterans Happy Hour, and participation in the Wildflower Trails of Texas.

Today, Chef Lee continues to pursue his vision of serving incredible food while creating a place where friends, families, and neighbors can gather around the table. His long-term goal is to expand the Fire & Knives brand with additional full-service restaurants and burger-focused food trucks—without ever losing sight of the quality, hospitality, and community that inspired it all.

For Chef Lee, every meal is an opportunity to create memories, and every guest who walks through the door is treated like family.