Marco Vance

​At 26, Marco Vance isn't just a chef; he's the heart behind "The Hearth & Hound," a unique culinary haven located in a bustling corner of the city. Housed in a beautifully restored building, his establishment seamlessly combines a sophisticated, farm-to-table restaurant with a cozy, artisan bake shop. ​However, the true magic of Marco's vision lies in a dedicated, sun-drenched wing of the bakery: the Hound Hangout Dog Café. This space operates in partnership with a local shelter, offering patrons the chance to enjoy a coffee and a pastry while socializing with adorable, adoptable shelter dogs. Marco, an avid animal lover, designed this concept to give these dogs maximum exposure and a chance to play and relax outside of a kennel environment. ​Marco balances the intense pressure of running both a dinner service and a high-volume bakery, but his greatest reward is seeing a successful adoption. He believes in second chances—both for the forgotten recipes he resurrects and the deserving animals he helps find a forever home. His passion has created more than a business; it's built a community hub where gourmet food meets genuine kindness.