Today we’d like to introduce you to Camden Stuerzenberger.
Hi Camden, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began working in a bakery at 15. Shortly thereafter I started cooking in a breakfast cafe in Bedford, TX similar to Phoebe’s. I moved to Austin and attended Texas Culinary Academy. Since then, I have worked in several restaurants as a Chef and eventually a partner. I have been the Chef at such restaurants as Bess Bistro, Walton’s Fancy & Staple, South Congress Cafe, Fork & Vine.
After many years in the industry, my wife and I decided we were ready to start a family and I wanted to create something that allowed me to be home in the evenings with them. Sunday Breakfast was always a very family-oriented event in my house growing up. We would all sit around the table and enjoy each other’s company. Thus I created Phoebe’s Diner.
Phoebe’s Diner is a greasy spoon American Diner meets a Texas Smokehouse. Thick Slab Bacon, Eggs cooked in clarified butter, hashbrown casserole meets chopped brisket benedict, smoked beet hash, house smoked ham, and smokey tomato salsa.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The restaurant industry is a wild ride, so no, I cannot say it has been a “smooth” road. Long hours, lots of planning and creation, Covid, staffing, homeless people.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Chef/Partner at Phoebe’s Diner. My daughter is named Phoebe and we named the restaurant after her to create a loving nurturing family feel. To really show that we are a tight nit caring team and anyone and everyone is welcome at Phoebe’s Diner. Phoebe was born three weeks before the restaurant opened so juggling a newborn and a newborn restaurant was pretty crazy, but it has been amazing.
I am extremely proud of the partnership and team that we have. We all work together and care for each other very much. Each and every employee, owner, and manager are all ready and willing to help each other out. The synergy makes me extremely proud.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My wife, parents, grandmother, Chef Friends.
Again this relates back to helping each other and holding each other up in a time of need. My wife happily helps work events in a pinch when necessary. I can call several Chef friends to ask questions or receive advice. My parents understands the time it takes to work in the restaurant world. I have missed a lot of family holidays throughout my journey.
It takes a great deal of love, respect, understanding, patience, passion, and compassion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.phoebesdiner.com
- Instagram: @phoebesdiner
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phoebesdineraustin/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/phoebes-diner-austin
