Rhett Morgan

The Black Hills of South Dakota, a rugged land of pine and smoke, housed The Splitting Lumber, a restaurant that embodied the wilderness. Known for its smoked meats, raucous axe-throwing, and lumberjack-themed waitresses, it was a haven for locals and travelers. Rhett "Bull" Morgan, once a legendary lumberjack, was now a legend in the kitchen. A falling tree had ended his career, leaving him injured and adrift. But the aroma of barbecue pulled him to The Splitting Lumber, where he found a "Help Wanted" sign… as if destiny led him to this place. He'd never worked a grill, but he knew fire. His briskets, smoked low and slow for 16 hours, became a local obsession. His ribs, slathered in bourbon glaze, were the restaurant's star attraction. Rhett experimented with local woods, creating bold flavors that captured the essence of the Black Hills. The Splitting Lumber became a sensation, packed nightly with locals and tourists. When not tending the smokers, Rhett offered tips and cheered on axe-throwing competitors. One night, a young man approached him, "You're Rhett 'Bull' Morgan, right? The lumberjack?" "Used to be," Rhett said, wiping his hands on his apron. "My dad told me stories about you. Said you were one of the best. Guess he didn't know you could cook too." Rhett chuckled, "Sometimes, you've got to find a new way to swing the axe." As the scent of barbecue wafted through the night and axes struck their marks, Rhett "Bull" Morgan knew he'd found his place again. He might have left the forest behind, but the fire in his soul burned brighter than ever.