Peter Webre & Donnie Ferneau
Manager and Owner-Chef, Ferneau
2601 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock
www.ferneaurestaurant.com
501-603-9208
Most Gratifying Moment
DF: The most gratifying moment of being in the restaurant business is actually a series of moments taking place right now. My kitchen staff is young, and they all started as dishwashers not sure of what they wanted to do with life. Today they are all chefs, all are leaders in the kitchen and all are in college. Seeing them succeed and grow is personally gratifying, but the great thing is that their dedication and passion for food and excellence allow us to give back to the community. Without our fabulous staff, I couldn’t support the fundraisers and events in Little Rock like we do. The work we do as a team is the most gratifying part of the restaurant business.
Recipe for Success
1 | History
PW: I have been in and out of the restaurant business since I was 16. Since 2003 I have been 100% in the business.
2 | Taught
PW: My uncle Peter Brave got me started. When he first opened I worked at his restaurant and then Lee Edwards got me going on the spirits side.
3 | R&D
DF: I get most of my inspiration and ideas from conversations with local farmers and other chefs. I love taking childhood favorites and making them my own.
4 | Plan B
DF: Firefighter.
5 | Popular
PW: It is a toss-up between the Seared Ahi Tuna on Sticky Rice or the Buttermilk Fried Chicken on Sweet Potato Mash with a Green Chili Cream.
6 | Schedule
PW: I work between 8 and 14 hours depending on which day of the week it is.
7 | Dream Guest
DF: I would have loved to cook for Elvis. I can make a wicked peanut butter banana sandwich.
8 | Star
DF: My favorite television chef is Gordon Ramsay on BBC. He gets so excited about food.
9 | Home
DF: My mom or my neighbors Meaghan and Liz cook for me. Oh yeah, and Zaza’s and Boulevard Bread keep my belly full.