For Chef Brett Fife of Lindey’s in Columbus, Ohio, the journey to becoming a celebrated culinary director wasn’t the conventional path of culinary school and apprenticeships. Instead, his career began on the football fields of rural Indiana, where teamwork, discipline, and perseverance shaped his early ambitions.
“I thought I’d grow up to be a coach,” he recalled. “But life had other plans.”
Brett’s initial exposure to the culinary world was serendipitous. In high school, he took a home economics class to balance his football schedule.
“It was supposed to be an easy class with my brother and some friends,” he said. “But I thrived. Cooking just clicked for me.” What started as a casual choice ignited a passion that would later define his career.
While playing football in college, Brett worked part-time in the student union kitchen, making pizzas and sandwiches. “I started to realize I kind of liked this cooking thing,” he laughed.
After completing his bachelor’s degree, a culinary program in Columbus, Ohio—where his then-girlfriend (now wife) lived—became the natural next step.
After culinary school, Chef Brett Fife immersed himself in the Columbus restaurant scene. His career took off in 2010 when he became the executive chef at Lindey’s, a landmark restaurant in the city’s historic German Village. “That was my first ‘big time’ job,” he said. At Lindey’s, Brett developed his leadership style, blending creativity and operational prowess.
“As a younger chef, I put my head down, worked hard, and focused on providing for my family,” he explained. Over nearly a decade, Brett transformed Lindey’s, doubling its sales volume and expanding the culinary team from two to five chefs. Despite the restaurant’s success, Brett sought new challenges and eventually left to open a new concept in 2019.
The opportunity allowed him to stretch creatively, from designing the kitchen layout to curating the menu. “It was an amazing experience. I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” he said. However, the pandemic forced him to reassess his priorities, and he eventually found his way back to Lindey’s in 2022.
Now as Culinary Director, Chef Brett Fife oversees everything from menu development to operations. “Some chefs excel at creativity, and some excel at operations. I happen to fall somewhere in the middle, which has been key to my success,” he said. Brett credits much of Lindey’s continued growth to his talented team. “We’re all utility players, but we each have our strengths,” he explained.
This collaborative approach allows the team to step in for one another seamlessly, whether to cover for personal commitments or adapt to challenges in the kitchen.
As a father of four, Brett values the work-life balance this culture provides. “Knowing I can take time off for family milestones or an anniversary trip without the business skipping a beat is priceless,” he said.
At Lindey’s, Chef Brett’s signature dishes reflect his philosophy of simplicity and excellence. Highlights include the Copper Kettle Parmesan Gnocchi, featuring creamy mascarpone, and the Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops with smoked pepper fontina. “I like to let the ingredients shine,” he explained.
Brett partners with The Chefs’ Warehouse to source the high-quality ingredients that define his dishes. “Their team ensures I can access the freshest products, whether it’s local produce, artisanal cheeses, or seafood,” he said. This partnership extends beyond ingredients, offering Brett the confidence to maintain consistency.
For Chef Brett, the parallels between football and the kitchen are clear. “Both require trust, talent, and a deep bench of utility players,” he said. At Lindey’s, this ethos drives his leadership and fosters an environment where both staff and patrons thrive.
As Lindey’s continues to set the standard for dining in Columbus, Brett remains focused on delivering exceptional experiences.
“It’s about more than great food,” he said. “It’s about creating a space where people feel valued—whether they’re part of the team or sitting at the table.”
Chef Brett Fife’s journey from football fields to fine dining kitchens is a testament to resilience, teamwork, and passion. At Lindey’s, his leadership ensures that every dish tells a story of quality, care, and commitment, supported by trusted partners like The Chef’s Warehouse.
For Brett, the game is far from over—it’s just entering its next exciting chapter.
To view Chef Brett Fife’s latest ment at Lindey’s, visit their website.
