Chef Payne Mills

Chef Payne was raised in Edmond, Oklahoma, with family roots in the area dating back to the 1930s. Growing up surrounded by the natural beauty of the region, he developed a deep appreciation for local, fresh ingredients and the hard work of small farms. Together with his wife, Rachel, he runs Farmers Grain restaurant and their small homestead, blending their shared love for food, family, and community. Chef Payne’s culinary journey is marked by years of training under ACF Master Chefs, time spent honing his craft in Europe, and countless hours developing his own style in the kitchen. His goal has always been to create globally inspired dishes that celebrate ingredients grown nearby. With a menu that changes seasonally, Chef Payne and his team strive to keep each dining experience fresh, exciting, and grounded in the philosophy that great food begins with attention to the smallest details.Outside of the kitchen, Chef Payne is a devoted Christian who finds inspiration in his faith, family, and love of the outdoors. Whether walking the land with Rachel or tending to their homestead, he feels a profound connection to nature—a connection that guides his approach to food. For Chef Payne, the best chefs are simply a bridge between nature and the plate, a belief he hopes is reflected in every dish served at Farmers Grain.