Celebrating Excellence: Nick Steen Receives 2024 Customer Service Excellence Award
Nick Steen stands out as a culinary virtuoso and a true ambassador of exceptional customer service. His remarkable journey from the prestigious Yellowstone Club to the bustling culinary scene of Big Sky/Bozeman areas, and finally back to his beloved hometown of Billings, has earned him the esteemed title of the 2024 Customer Service Excellence award recipient, presented by the Billings Chamber of Commerce.
Nick’s culinary journey began at the Yellowstone Club, where he first sharpened his skills and ignited his passion for the art of cooking. For the next 13 years, he honed his craft as a chef, immersing himself in the vibrant culinary landscape of Big Sky and Bozeman. Yet, despite his success in other locales, Nick’s heart remained tethered to his roots in Billings, where he yearned to bring his culinary expertise back to his cherished community.
At the heart of Nick’s culinary philosophy lies a commitment to modernizing classic dishes, infusing comfort food with gourmet flair, and embracing the diversity of tastes and preferences. His restaurant, Walkers, serves as a culinary sanctuary in Billings, embodying Nick’s vision of not just providing food but creating an immersive experience for diners. With a dedication to personalization, Nick understands that comfort means something different to everyone, and he takes great joy in crafting dishes that resonate with each individual palate.
Walkers exudes a warm, inviting ambiance that reflects Nick’s commitment to Montana-style hospitality. Stepping into the restaurant, diners are greeted with more than just a meal; they are welcomed into a community, where every dish tells a story, and every interaction is infused with genuine warmth and hospitality. Nick’s dedication to his community shines through in every aspect of Walkers, adding a touch of Montana’s charm to every dining experience.
Nick’s culinary prowess has not gone unnoticed, garnering recognition from both local and national platforms. Named a Top 10 Chef of the Northwest by The Culture Trip and earning a prominent spot on Zagat’s list of the Top 10 Reasons to Visit Yellowstone National Park, Nick has solidified his reputation as a culinary force to be reckoned with. Furthermore, his nominations for the prestigious James Beard Foundation Best Chef Rocky Mountain Region award in both 2020 and 2024 underscore his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of culinary excellence.
As Nick continues to elevate the Billings culinary scene and firmly establish the city as a destination for outstanding cuisine, his unwavering dedication to exceptional customer service sets him apart as a true trailblazer in the industry. Nick understands that providing exemplary customer service is a team effort, and he values the contributions of every member of his team in delivering excellence. With each dish he crafts and each interaction he facilitates, Nick Steen leaves a lasting impression on both locals and visitors alike, enriching the culinary landscape of Billings one plate at a time.
Recipients will be recognized at the 2024 Billings Chamber Breakfast on Thursday, April 25 at First Interstate Arena at MetraPark. The event will feature Andre Reed, NFL Hall of Fame Receiver, as the keynote speaker and be entertained by James Cunningham, comedian and television personality on Food Network.
This is the Chamber’s largest annual event and is presented by Nonstop Local and Rubicare Health Savings Program. The event will run from 7-9 a.m. with doors opening at 6 a.m. with a buffet breakfast.
You can learn more about Chamber Breakfast and purchase your tickets here.
