Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Sheridan.
Matthew, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story started in rural Utah, growing up in a super small town. I come from a large LDS family, the youngest of seven, that lived very modestly. I’ve always had a passion for food and hospitality. Growing up gay in rural Utah, I found many struggles along the way. I found ways to express myself through music, art and food. I currently do art and murals and have shipped custom art all over the country. While art is my main passion, food has always been a close second.
My career started at 13, working on neighbor’s farms and gardens. I loved the fresh ingredients even at that age. As I got older, I realized that one way to reach any person, no matter their background or belief, is food. Some of our most famous artwork today depicts gatherings breaking bread and coming together. That’s one thing I’ve always admired. Food is not just a road to the heart, it’s a gateway to the soul.
I’ve traveled the country, assisting a variety of restaurants to grow and become successful. Now 18 years later, I love it the same as if it were my first day.
I’m an avid outdoors person that regularly goes hiking with my three dogs. I mean it’s Utah. I came back here because there’s nothing like driving 20 minutes in almost any direction and getting these views and not appreciating the beauty and serenity that is the outdoors.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been an ok road. Our most large hurdle is sourcing fresh ingredients during shortages. We never know what we can get from week to week. Being mostly seafood or dishes easily attained near the gulf, it’s not always so easy for us.
As you know, we’re big fans of Neutral Ground Lounge. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The idea was created 2 years ago when the owner and founder of Neutral Ground Lounge moved back from New Orleans after living there for nine years. He missed the southern hospitality and food from the region. So much so, he came up with the idea to bring that southern comfort food and flair to Salt Lake City. Neutral Ground, in New Orleans parlance, referred to the wide, grassy median that bridged the gap between the original First Municipality (now the French Quarter) and the Second Municipality, which was Anglo-American (now the Central Business District). Running right down the middle of Canal Street, it was the meeting place where two distinct districts that didn’t get along could find literal common ground. So this pinpoints our exact motto. A meeting place for everyone to come together and share in the experience.
Since our opening, we’ve won best Gumbo in Utah, and top restaurant on OpenTable.
We are a lounge on one side of the restaurant that features live music during the weekends, and all-age dining on the other.
Our menu consists of traditional dishes like gumbo, red beans and rice, and fried green tomatoes. While the rest of the menu are more modern take on creole-derived techniques.
We stay true to the southern styled of cooking by making everything completely in house from scratch. It may be more time-consuming, but we want our passion to shine through in every dish we make.
What matters most to you? Why?
The thing that matters the most to us, is that every guest feels like they have been transported to New Orleans. To really create that experience, we’ve decked out the interior with textures, velvet and chandeliers. Really going over the top. Then the south is known for fresh food and hospitality, so we entertain each guest like we would as if they were in our own homes and serve food that was prepared to order just for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nglounge.com
- Instagram: @neutralhgroundslc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/neutralgroundslc
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