about
Discover A New Art
of Casual Upscale Dining
owner
Daniel Mitchell
My culinary journey began in New Orleans, a city where cooking is woven into the fabric of everyday life. The community takes pride in supporting local chefs and restaurants over large chains. Now that I’ve lived in Birmingham longer than I lived in New Orleans, Birmingham has become my home.
My goal is to help grow our city’s culinary scene and foster the same sense of local support that New Orleans does so well. For me, the word “always”, the inspiration behind my restaurant’s name, has been a guiding principle throughout my life. “Toujours” means “always” in French, and it has served as a constant reminder to keep moving toward my goals, whether that’s being a supportive father and husband, buying a home, nurturing friendships, leading by example, or running a marathon. Since my days at culinary school in New Orleans, I’ve held onto the dream of opening a successful restaurant, and I’ve always been working towards it.
Throughout this journey, my wife Stephanie has always been by my side. While raising our two daughters, managing carpools, soccer practices, and traveling for games, she built her own career and supported my dream.
I am grateful to have served as Executive Chef for the past twenty years at local private clubs. I grew to love the close-knit atmosphere of country clubs, where I could connect with members and their families, and craft menus and events around wines, beers, and spirits. Building relationships with members helped them feel invested in what I was creating in the kitchen. With toujours, I want to offer that same sense of belonging to my customers, making them feel like members of my dream.
Toujours is designed to be a place where you can gather, eat, drink, and laugh—a space to relax and enjoy. With ever-changing menus and specials, there will always be something new to discover each time you visit. I look forward to welcoming you and making you a part of my dream.
— Daniel Mitchell
sous chef
Ladarius Dixon
With more than 13 years of hands-on kitchen experience, I am a passionate culinary professional known for my attention to detail, strong work ethic, and commitment to crafting memorable dining experiences.
After graduating from Bessemer City High School in 2010, I began my journey in the food industry through several fast-food positions, but it wasn’t long before I discovered my true calling in the kitchen.
My culinary passion came into focus when I entered the private club scene at Inverness Country Club, learning and growing under Chef Daniel Mitchell. Through dedication, discipline, and a desire to keep mastering my craft, I progressed from line cook to sous chef, eventually stepping into the role of executive chef for a year. That experience deepened my leadership skills, sharpened my creativity, and strengthened my knowledge of kitchen operations from top to bottom.
Today, I’m proud to once again team up with Chef Mitchell as we combine our skills, vision, and creativity to bring exceptional food and fresh culinary ideas to life. My goal is to continue evolving, pushing boundaries, and creating dishes that not only taste great but tell a story.
General Manager
Brian Ulatowski
I was born in California, where I spent my early years, and later moved to Colorado as a teenager. There, I developed a deep appreciation for the natural world, an influence that continues to shape my approach to hospitality today.
After attending culinary arts school, I worked in several restaurants, honing my skills and deepening my understanding of food and restaurant operations.
My career progressed from Sous Chef to Executive Chef, and the transition from back-of-house to front-of-house reinforced my understanding that exceptional service is essential to a truly enjoyable dining experience.
In 2020, I made the move to Alabama with my son. I met Chef Daniel and Ladarius, as well as so many wonderful and kind people. The community and friendships I’ve found here in Alabama are something I truly cherish.
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