FRANKLIN
Just as a painter uses acrylics or oils to make his art, so too does Kyle Cousins. He’s the new executive chef at the Cypress Cove Country Club, and he wants to make dining there an artistic experience for guests.

“I paint my canvas with food,” Cousins said.

And just as an artist might take classes to learn or travel to gain experience, Cousins also has done both. The Franklin native said he’s done a little studying at a culinary school, but describes his learning as “self-taught, mostly. I can be very creative on my own.”

One of his “studios” was Fred’s Restaurant, where he started. Cousins credits the Rabils — Fred and son David — for looking after him and teaching him everything he needed to know about operating a restaurant.

Following a recommendation and interview, he went to work at The Virginia Diner in Wakefield.

“Things flowed from there,” Cousins said.

In addition to working as the manager for the front of the house, he also handled daily operations and strived to be an asset. The pace at the diner was faster, and naturally this required him to learn to work quicker as well and manage about 50 to 60 to people.

With the opportunity to serve next as the executive chef at the Airfield Conference Center, Cousins had a better opportunity to put his what he called his “personal stamp” on events and with people. This included catering and high-end dinners.

“I grew creatively and it led me here, too,” he added about coming back to Franklin.

Being at the club is like returning home. Cousins said he used to work at the pro shop in the 1980s for about 10 summers.

“I had so much fun,” he remembered. “I’m happy to be back home.”

The challenge ahead, Cousins said, is “to make the public aware of what a great facility this really is. I look forward to being part of this great place.”

Customer service, quality and tradition will be emphasized.

“I put every effort in everything I do,” he said.

The club is available for banquets, conferences, luncheons and meetings, and Cousins and his staff of 20 are willing to cater to any size group.

The restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

For details about what’s available, call Cousins at 562-5556.