MEET THE TEAM

Derrick and Deserea purchased the historic gymnasium at 200 State Street in the fall of 2023 with the vision of creating a one-of-a-kind restaurant, wine bar, speakeasy bar and venue.

 

They also own and operate Traveler's Cellar Winery in Rockfield, KY where they offer a tasting room, AirBnB, and venue.

Demian’s passion for the experience of exceptional cuisine is paramount and evident through his vast gastronomic experiences. His culinary journey began in the kitchen at home. Raised in an Italian-American household, he learned the value of quality ingredients and the love of sharing home-cooked meals with others. He soon began working in restaurants in his teens. Demian is a 1996 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, where he excelled and eventually instructed. Over many years, he owned restaurants in NY, worked as Executive Chef at numerous successful restaurants in NY, NM, CT, GA, and FL, including a restaurant recognized with 3 Michelin Stars. He also worked as a private chef for many high-end clients and celebrities. In recent years, Demian has established himself in management and sales across various industries. His recent focus has been on fostering a high-performance culture, team leading, business development, growth, and budgeting.

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The vision of The Mustang Club represents everything Demian is passionate about in the food, beverage, hospitality, and entertainment industry.

Travis Dickens is an accomplished restaurant manager with a wealth of experience garnered from some of the most prestigious establishments in the hospitality industry. With a career spanning over 30 years, Travis has demonstrated exceptional leadership and operational expertise at renowned venues such as The Sagamore Resort, The Brown Palace, Cholon Asian Bistro, and Mercantile Dining and Provisions.

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With a strong background in both front-of-house and back-of-house operations, Travis excels in overseeing all aspects of restaurant management. This includes staff training and development, inventory management, financial planning, and maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations. His keen eye for detail and commitment to excellence have significantly contributed to the success and growth of the establishments they have managed.

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Travis's passion for the culinary arts and dedication to creating memorable dining experiences have earned him a reputation for excellence within the industry. He is adept at fostering a positive work environment, motivating the team to deliver top-notch service, and ensuring that every guest leaves with a smile.

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In addition to their hands-on management experience, Travis holds a bachelor’s degree from University of Johnson and Wales, further solidifying his expertise in restaurant management. To stay current with industry trends and continuously seek opportunities for professional development, ensuring they bring innovative solutions and fresh ideas to his role.

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Outside of work, Travis enjoys riding motorcycles, camping and touring local wineries, distilleries and breweries, which often inspire his approach to hospitality and customer service. Travis is committed to driving the success of The Mustang Club, building strong relationships with guests and staff alike, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and service

For Chef Michael Thorp, cooking is an act of deep respect for the ingredients, the land, and the people involved. This philosophy was shaped during his childhood, spent on his grandparents' dairy farm in rural Southern Illinois. There, he learned the value of hard work and careful planning, witnessing firsthand the dedication it takes to bring food to the table. His grandmother, a true mentor, taught him the most important lesson of all: that food is a way to show love for others. This early wisdom continues to guide every dish he creates.

Thorp's unique blend of reverence and passion is evident in his cooking, which is both elegantly refined and deeply comforting. His classical French culinary education was reinforced during his time in Provence, where he worked at the luxurious Domaine de Valmouriane. This experience,
forever etched in his work, solidified his dedication to quality and technique.

With a skillset honed at renowned establishments like The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri, Thorp has a proven ability to lead and innovate. He is known for creating dishes that are not just meals, but experiences—each one a reflection of his personal journey and a tribute
to the idea that the best food is an expression of artistry and passion.

Born and raised in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Rebecca Hart’s path has taken her from small-town roots to major cities and back again. After moving to New York City for college, she spent ten years teaching both general and special education at a renowned progressive elementary school in Manhattan. Rebecca met her husband, Demian Haas, through a shared interest in food — a connection that would later shape both their family and professional life. After the birth of their third child, she stepped away from the classroom to co-found a startup with Demian, managing four community-focused magazines in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Her roles included publisher, editor, and recruiter, with a focus on celebrating local stories and strengthening community ties.

Later, an opportunity in education drew her back. Rebecca served as director of a special needs school in upstate New York while raising their children, combining leadership with day-to-day family life.
After returning to Bowling Green, Rebecca spent two years working in local schools. During that time, she reconnected with the owner, Derrick, a close friend from high school where they had bonded over a shared love of the arts. She introduced Derrick and Deserea to our Chef and General Manager Demian,
recognizing a shared passion for food and a common desire to uplift local talent and culture.

That introduction sparked a collaboration rooted in shared values and complementary strengths. Driven by a lifelong love of community and a deep appreciation for local creativity, Rebecca brings well-rounded knowledge and a unique perspective to The Mustang Club team — shaped by her diverse experience in education, publishing, and grassroots collaboration.