Connoley’s journey to culinary prominence was unconventional. Initially pursuing a career in academia, he transitioned to cooking later in life, bringing with him a researcher’s rigor and a scholar’s curiosity. His passion for exploring food's cultural and ecological connections led him to focus on the Ozarks, where he unearthed the region’s rich culinary traditions during his time in Missouri.
In 2019, Connoley opened Bulrush, a restaurant that quickly gained acclaim for its commitment to hyper-local ingredients and storytelling through food. Drawing on archival research, oral histories, and collaborations with farmers and foragers, Connoley created a menu inspired by the historical foodways of the Ozarks. Each dish was a narrative, showcasing native plants, heirloom ingredients, and traditional preservation methods. The restaurant also served as an educational platform, immersing guests in the region’s cultural and ecological heritage.
Connoley’s groundbreaking work at Bulrush earned him multiple James Beard Award nominations, including being named a 2024 Best Chef: Midwest finalist. That same year, the restaurant topped Ian Froeb’s STL 100: The Best St. Louis Restaurants of 2024. Though it closed in June 2024, its influence on the culinary world and its elevation of Ozark cuisine remain significant.
Beyond the kitchen, Connoley has furthered his impact through writing and teaching. His book, Acorns & Cattails: A Modern Foraging Cookbook of Forest, Farm & Field, serves as both a guide and a manifesto for sustainable cooking. He has taught Ozark cooking classes at the Smithsonian and represented Missouri at the National Geographic Traveller Food Festival in London, drawing global attention to his work.
Based in Portland, Oregon, Connoley continues to innovate, exploring the Pacific Northwest’s biodiversity and championing social advocacy and sustainability. By honoring tradition and envisioning a sustainable future, Connoley challenges chefs and diners alike to reimagine their relationship with food and the natural world.
