Episode Thirty-Five

Chef Todd Misener: The Story Behind Iron & Grape Italian Kitchen

What does it take to build a restaurant that people will drive across the region to experience?

In this episode of the HWY 331 Podcast, Kerri Parker sits down with Chef Todd Misener, owner of Iron & Grape Italian Kitchen in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, for a conversation about craftsmanship, hospitality, mentorship, and the journey behind one of Walton County’s most talked-about restaurants.

Chef Todd graduated with honors from the Culinary Institute of America before spending 17 years training under Certified Master Chef Jack Shoop, an experience that shaped his philosophy of leadership, discipline, and culinary excellence. Before opening Iron & Grape with his wife and business partner, Kelli Misener, the couple were partners with the Word of Mouth Restaurant Group, where Todd served as Executive Chef and Kelli led front-of-house operations.

In this conversation, you’ll discover why Todd chose Italian cuisine, what defines a true scratch kitchen, why handmade pasta and carefully sourced ingredients matter, and how his commitment to mentoring young chefs has influenced kitchens throughout the region. Todd also shares the story behind Iron & Grape’s popular wine dinners, his approach to hospitality, and why he and Kelli chose DeFuniak Springs to build their dream restaurant.

Whether you’re passionate about restaurants, Italian food, restaurant leadership, culinary arts, entrepreneurship, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind people who have mastered their craft, this episode offers an inspiring look at what it takes to build something exceptional.

In this episode:

* The journey from the Culinary Institute of America to restaurant ownership
* Training under Certified Master Chef Jack Shoop
* The philosophy behind a true scratch kitchen
* Handmade pasta and authentic Italian cuisine
* Mentoring the next generation of chefs
* Opening Iron & Grape Italian Kitchen in DeFuniak Springs
* Wine dinners, hospitality, and creating memorable dining experiences
* Chef Todd’s vision for the future of Iron & Grape and Walton County’s culinary scene

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