Speakers & Guests
Jody Kropf
Jody Kropf grew up with one foot on a tractor and one foot in the kitchen. By age 12 he was splitting his days working hard in his parent’s restaurant, the Brownsville General Store, and growing a deep connection to the land by working on his uncle’s farm. The youngest in a large family surrounded by brothers, sisters and cousins Jody often took any dare that came his way. Undaunted by a challenge he’d be first to jump off a giant rock when prompted. So when it came time to pick a career it wasn’t surprising it was his cousin who suggested he take the leap to follow his culinary dreams.
After studying at the Western Culinary Institute he got his first professional start at the Heathman Hotel in Portland. Soon after that he took an exciting job as a personal chef. Cooking and sailing off a yacht from Nova Scotia to the warm waters of the Caribbean. He had the opportunity to expand and delight his tastebuds by experiencing regional favorites all over North America. He completed his culinary education at the famed Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, California where he met his lovely wife Michelle.
Taking his bride back home to Oregon the duo settled in Dundee where there was enough city for the misses and enough country for the boy. Here the ten year dream of creating a casual and inviting community market took shape. Jody wanted a restaurant where you could pull up in your truck after a long day of work, perhaps even a little dirt on your jeans, and be greeted by the warm sound of laughter and music, to enjoy an evening of great food with good friends. Taking inspiration from the farmers and local artisans Red Hills Market celebrates the bounty of local and seasonal ingredients by sharing them with the community. Grateful for the family and friends who make his market a place where lives, laughter and memories are shared, this country boy’s heart is full.