Frank Milward, Corporate Chef frankm@woodstone.net

Frank started his career in the hospitality industry in 1980 when he took a job after he returned from four years in the Navy. His family moved to Bellingham when Frank chose to pursue a management position in the Bellingham area.

In 1994 Frank partnered in opening and operating a local Bellingham restaurant (Orchard Street) that featured a Wood Stone as it's sole (soul) piece of cooking equipment. A chance encounter with Wood Stone founder, Keith Carpenter, at the local Home Depot brought Frank to Wood Stone in 1996. (Talk about being in the right place at the right time!) Frank and his staff at Orchard Street overcame the perceived obstacles of opening, training and creating a successful environment in the first Wood Fired Oven in the region. The reality of this experience is probably his greatest asset to Wood Stone and its customers. There is nothing like first hand experience. Frank’s first love is “blowing his guests away” in the restaurant or here at Wood Stone. Many people talk about this, few have the fortitude to follow through to experience it. Of course Frank loves to share about keeping a Wood Stone simple and teaching people how to have fun and be successful in front of it, but that is only the beginning. "The fish stinks from the head and is propelled by the tail". In the other words give your staff poor direction and go nowhere fast! Give them great direction and go anywhere you like. Frank enjoys Wood Stone because we are all empowered to be the best we can be.

Frank works as one of Wood Stones Corporate Chefs, cooks, travels and teaches internationally. Working in front of a Wood Stone falls someplace between a science project and a spiritual experience. With responsible information and training this oven will inspire a level of pride and passion in your restaurant you haven't experienced. Frank is excited to share and teach the virtues of Stone Hearth and Open Flame Cooking and can be found in the test kitchen sharing his experience.

"I appreciate the opportunity that Wood Stone brings to my family and community."

Frank's Favorite Recipe - Anything that is cooked in a Wood Stone. "I love watching people's fascination with simple great food or great simple food being prepared in a Wood Stone. Steaks, roasted chicken, cedar planked salmon, breads, pizzas, braises and of course breakfast."

Frank’s Favorite Question – What is your dream piece of kitchen equipment?