Meet Lisa Dahl | Chef Owner of Dahl Restaurant Group

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Dahl and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was driven more by passion and emotion, and it was less about thinking back in 1995 when the idea to open a restaurant came to me. The loss of my son Justin had a profound effect on my decision-making- it was not about logical thinking, it was more about abating loss and sorrow. I dedicated my first restaurant, Dahl & DiLuca, to my son and I’ve included him in all my concepts that followed. I wanted to create a sanctuary like feeling at the original restaurant and all those I’ve since opened because employees love to work in a space where there is longevity. Times have changed and now I must operate as more of a business with over 300 employees, an HR department, and corporate team. Back then it was more organic and formed out of love.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a chef, restaurateur, and owner of five different restaurant concepts, my work can be defined by three mantras: When you cook with love, you feed the soul; in food we trust; and devoted to excellence, blessed by grace.

I firmly believe that when you cook with love, you feed the soul. This is easier said than done in an ever-changing environment where one is meeting the demands of a large clientele. However, I care about each guest that we feed because love is really intention and caring- it is intangible in a way, but when it manifests in the form of guest appreciation, it is a confirmation.

At Dahl Restaurant Group we like to say “in food we trust” because food really does matter, and it should not be taken for granted. Each day takes on more meaning due to the case of essentially have and have nots. The importance of not wasting food and the concept of sustainability is very key.

Finally, I’m inspired every day by six words that mean so much to me: devoted to excellence, blessed by grace. It’s so powerful that one can devote their spirit and soul to excellence and share with a large group of people- without grace, one has nothing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, I’d welcome them to all of my restaurants: Dahl & Di Luca, Mariposa, Cucina Rustica, Butterfly Burger, the original Pisa Lisa and my newest Pisa Lisa in the Village of Oak Creek. Because I have a heavy workload, I savor any rare moments of free time that allow me to explore Sedona. I keep my eyes open for new places and people that are launching new businesses. I encourage businesses who are bringing a fresh terrain to the scene and some of my favorite recommendations include:

Sedona Infinity Spa offers great treatments to relax and re-energize and they have therapists who are devoted to healing which I think so many of us can reap benefits from.

Black Potion Café is a great shop with selection of coffee and pastries that are worth a visit. The owner is a Brazilian woman who is full of energy and a great conversationalist.

Goldstein Gallery features outstanding rotating art exhibits and an outdoor sculpture garden. Linda Goldstein has supported the Sedona scene for years and she is always giving back to the community.

The Hozho Center is a great place to check out art galleries and find fine-art souvenirs. There are plenty of hidden treasures at this quaint, upscale complex housed in a beige Santa Fe–style building.

Margaret Joy Weaver is a female shaman artist who believes in the multiverse, but an icon of the local artisans. Visitors should jump on the opportunity to attend any events that she is involved in to get a real authentic feel for Sedona.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Ken Ewing, owner of Decanter Tasting Room. He built the business from a labor of love, making it into a comfortable wine tasting boutique and I think it is akin to a world class wine market.

Website: http://www.wagstaffmktg.com/