Like many chefs, South Carolina native Tim Richardson gravitated to the kitchen as a teenager. Richardson spent several years learning the restaurant business at locally owned steak houses in Columbia, S.C., before discovering his niche at Twigs, a charming restaurant located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Under the tutelage of Twigs Chef Ryan Brevda, Richardson honed his appreciation for preparing high quality ingredients and crafting a fine dining experience. To further refine his culinary skills, Richardson relocated in 2001 to Charleston, S.C., where he enrolled in Johnson & Wales University and began mentoring at Hank’s Seafood Restaurant under founding Chef Frank McMahon. Today, Richardson’s culinary talent, passion for fresh seafood, and dedication to all aspects of running a restaurant serve him well as Executive Chef of Hank’s Seafood Restaurant, a role he earned after many successful years as the restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine. Tim recently was a finalist for Charleston’s best chef as voted by readers of The Post & Courier, Charleston’s Choice Awards.