Victor King is the Executive Chef and co-owner of The Essential + bandit. King began his culinary journey in Nashville, Tennessee, cooking and entertaining alongside his mother on their 40-acre farm. While attending college at Samford University, he worked various restaurant and catering jobs, eventually landing at Highlands Bar and Grill where he honed his kitchen skills under the leadership of Chef Frank Stitt. Alongside Hall, King brings a sophisticated perspective to the casual dining experience, emphasizing local ingredients and a menu that is both familiar and yet unexpected.