Derek Barnes began his culinary education at The School of Culinary Arts, Denver, Colorado. Once he graduated, Derek immediately went to work for Emeril Lagasse at Emeril’s Restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana. After a four-year stint at Emeril’s, he moved to Florida and worked at the Beach Bistro on Anna Maria Island. He has also worked in various restaurants in Indiana and Colorado.

Prior to opening Derek’s Culinary Casual, Derek was the Executive Chef at 5-One-6 Burns. Derek’s Culinary Casual focuses on comfort food and progressive dishes, and dining patrons can expect the imaginative as well as the familiar.