Behind the Line: The Soul of The Jackalope Grill

The Core of Who We Are

At The Jackalope Grill, our mission goes beyond crafting beautiful plates and providing exceptional service. We believe that excellence in hospitality begins behind the line—with the people who show up, prep, sauté, season, and serve with intention.

This is a love letter to our kitchen team. A look behind the swinging door, where quiet talent, steady leadership, and fierce dedication make the magic happen.

👨‍🍳 Chef Josh Podwils Behind The Line: More Than a Chef

At the heart of our kitchen is Executive Chef Josh Podwils, a Bend native whose culinary journey spans private chef work, restaurant transformations, and now, his own creative helm at The Jackalope Grill.

Josh isn’t just a chef—he’s a mentor. His leadership is rooted in teaching. In our kitchen, growth comes from curiosity, not fear. He believes in giving people the tools, knowledge, and support they need to rise—and it shows in every dish and every team member who has thrived under his wing. Learning the in's and out's of Fine Dining in Bend, OR.

It takes a team, the whole team!

🌱 Growing the Next Generation:

Meet Colten

One of the brightest examples of our mission in action is Colten, our pantry manager. He started at just 16 years old with a dream of becoming a chef, and three years later, he's been climbing steadily ever since.

Colten approaches his work with focus and excitement—diving into new ingredients and creative projects with both care and enthusiasm. He’s not just managing pantry prep; he’s absorbing everything he can, step by step, dish by dish. We are incredibly proud to be part of his journey. One day we hope to feast at his restaurant when he becomes the esteemed chef he dreams of being.

🔥 The Quiet Strength: Leo on Grill

Leo has been with us for almost three years, holding down the grill station with the kind of calm precision every kitchen dreams of. He may be a quiet man, but his commitment speaks volumes.

He shows up every day with readiness to learn and consistency that grounds the team. Leo has grown steadily, always open to new techniques and challenges, always bringing reliability to the heat of the line.

🔪 A Welcome Home: Scotty Joins the Jack Team

Our newest addition, Scotty, is no stranger to Chef Podwils’ kitchen. Having worked together in other restaurants over the years, it felt only natural for him to join The Jackalope family when the opportunity arose.

Scotty brings experience, trust, and a deep understanding of the rhythm and standards Chef Josh upholds. His arrival feels like a homecoming—and we’re so excited to see how his presence shapes the future of our team.

It's more than just being a great chef. We cannot forget integrity.

❤️ A Culture of Coaching, Not Criticism

At The Jackalope Grill, we believe that excellence doesn’t come from pressure—it comes from purpose. We’re building a kitchen culture where:

• Staff are treated with respect.

• Mistakes are teaching moments, not punishments.

• Curiosity is encouraged.

• Hard work is recognized.

It’s not always easy. But it’s the kind of team we’re proud to be part of.

🥂 Here’s to the Ones Behind the Flame

Next time you dine with us, know that every dish was made by hands that care. Not just about food, but about growing, learning, and contributing to something bigger.

We raise our glasses to Chef Josh, Colten, Leo, Scotty, and the entire back-of-house crew. Your heart, hustle, and hunger for excellence fuel everything we do.

And this is only the beginning.