Alec Swall

Executive Sous Chef

Alec’s journey to the culinary world is a tale of unexpected turns and a deep-rooted passion for creation. He began his academic path studying biology at the University of Kansas, but as fate would have it, his heart was drawn elsewhere. The science of life gave way to the artistry of food, and Alec redirected his focus to the culinary arts, earning a prestigious certificate from L’École Culinaire.

His career took off at the Kansas City Country Club in Mission Hills, Kansas, where his ambition and drive quickly set him apart. From there, Alec’s talents soared—first as sous chef at Modern Ozark Dining (MOD) in Bentonville, Arkansas, and then at 28 Springs Restaurant in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. At both establishments, he honed his craft and mastered the delicate balance of modern Ozark dining, before stepping into the role of executive sous chef at The Carriage Club in Kansas City in 2019.

Alec’s love for live fire cooking was ignited during his time at 28 Springs, where he first worked with open flames to create bold, rustic flavors. This experience has become a significant part of his culinary journey, and it was here that he began to truly master the art of working with live fire in the kitchen.

His connection to the Ozarks runs deep—on his mother’s side, his family is “deeply rooted” in the region, which has shaped his pride in the area’s food traditions. “I’m a Missouri fan through and through,” he says, a sentiment that fuels his drive to work with a chef who values local and regional ingredients.

Chef Longres is quick to express his admiration for Alec’s skills and leadership: “I’m truly blessed to have an amazingly talented individual leading the kitchen here at Acre. His passion, expertise, and commitment to local ingredients make him a perfect fit for our team.”

In 2022, Alec’s life took another meaningful turn when he married his wife, Janet. Together, they look forward to the future, with Alec’s culinary dreams unfolding alongside his growing family.