Chef Dell Morris
Dell Morris is a brewer and chef known for his inventive food and craft beer, a passion he plans to unite in his upcoming venture, Retrograde Brew and BBQ. With a culinary background refined by international travel and work in prestigious kitchens, Morris has recently returned to his roots to focus on his dual love for brewing and barbecue.
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A food journey from fine dining to Texas barbecue
Before focusing on brewing, Dell began his professional career working for the esteemed Four Seasons Resorts Scottsdale at Troon North. It was here that he mastered his craft, learning the standards of excellence expected in fine dining while developing his own unique style. During his time at the Four Seasons, he was part of the Proof kitchen, where he collaborated with other top culinary talent. His work took him to a variety of global destinations, including resorts in Jacksonhole, Nassau Bahamas, Palo Alto and Vail.
Morris always held passion for live-fire cooking which was ignited further at the Four Seasons, where he first started incorporating barbecue techniques into his cuisine. This journey led him to Silver King in Superior, Arizona, where he had the opportunity to help open the restaurant and design the menu. Now, his ultimate creation, a custom-built 1000-gallon barrel smoker, is the centerpiece of Retrograde. Every piece of meat smoked is a testament to years of dedication and a true love for the art of barbecue and live fire cooking.
From the kitchen to the brewhouse
Drawing upon his extensive culinary background, Dell Morris discovered a passion for pairing his cuisine with craft beer. Morris then immersed himself in the world of brewing, gaining valuable experience at The Shop Beer Co. in Tempe, Arizona. This hands-on knowledge became the foundation for his own venture, Retrograde Brew and BBQ, where he combines his culinary skills with his craft brewing talents to create a unique experience.
His journey continues with a special collaboration alongside brewer Andrew Walter at Torrito Farm in Willcox, where they work together to create exclusive small-batch beers. This partnership allows Morris to continually refine his brewing techniques while exploring innovative flavors, bringing a fresh and evolving selection of craft beers to Retrograde's menu.
The Retrograde Brew and BBQ project - A Safford, AZ landmark:
After years of dedication, Morris has returned to the Gila Valley, joining forces with his uncle, Brian "Red" Norton. Red is a well-known figure in the community, having built a reputation for success with local businesses like the Water Depot and Red's Convenient Store. This partnership is more than just a business deal; it's a blend of Dell's creative vision and Red's deep roots in the community and years of business expertise.
In a powerful tribute to his roots, Dell is now preparing to deliver his unique blend of craft beer and central Texas-style barbecue to downtown Safford. Set to open in a historic building on South Fifth Avenue, Retrograde Brew and BBQ will be the culmination of his life's work—a place where world-class technique meets local flavor in a community he holds dear. It is a story of coming full circle, bringing his global expertise back to the very place where his culinary journey began.
Whether you're a barbecue aficionado or a craft beer enthusiast, you'll find something to love. We're more than a restaurant; we're a hub for good friends, good stories, and incredible food. Come on down and taste the difference!