When Austin Blair talks about life in Mitchell, there’s a steady confidence in his voice — the kind that comes from building something meaningful for both his family and his community.

Austin and his girlfriend, Kyla Morgan, are raising a busy and beautiful household. Austin’s son, Liam (9), keeps them active, their daughter Maggie (1) keeps them smiling, and another baby girl is on the way this June. Rounding out the family is Dipper, their cat who likely oversees it all from a comfortable perch. Family is at the center of everything Austin does.

Interestingly, Austin and Kyla’s story began inside the restaurant world. The first time they met was when Kyla came in to eat at Cattleman’s — a fitting beginning for a couple whose life would become deeply connected to the restaurant business.

Originally from Pierre, South Dakota, Austin found Mitchell to feel familiar from the start. “Very similar to Pierre as far as weather and size and amenities,” he says. But his move wasn’t accidental — it was driven by opportunity and determination. Austin and his family had started a restaurant with a partner, but when the partnership no longer aligned with their standards, they made a change. With encouragement from his mom, Cindy — who jokingly told him she wasn’t moving to Mitchell, so he would have to — Austin stepped in to take over Cattleman’s in Mitchell.

They had originally explored Sioux Falls for a second location, but when that fell through, the idea of Mitchell surfaced. It felt like the right fit. And today, it’s clear it was.

Taking over an established restaurant came with its challenges. “Anytime you come in to take over a restaurant that is used to doing things a certain way, it is tough to transition,” Austin explains. But building a strong team made all the difference. With dedicated leaders like Kitchen Manager Alex Wienk and Assistant Manager Robin Butler, the Cattleman’s way of prepping and cooking became consistent and streamlined. That allowed Austin to focus on perfecting their craft and elevating the customer experience.

Today, Austin serves as GM and part owner of Cattleman’s Steakhouse, while Kyla works as a branch office administrator at Edward Jones on E. Spruce Street. Their move to Mitchell was absolutely career-driven — and it has paid off. Cattleman’s Steakhouse has been named one of the Top 50 Steakhouses in the country multiple times and is often ranked #1 or #2 in South Dakota — an achievement Austin is incredibly proud of.

Beyond work, Mitchell has become home in every sense. Austin appreciates the strong sense of community and the many family-friendly activities. Kyla is always discovering events for them to attend, and Austin enjoys giving back whenever he can — donating to local causes and previously serving on the Mitchell Soccer Association board.

Many of his friendships have grown through the restaurant. “I’ve met so many people through Cattleman’s,” he says — a reminder that restaurants are often more than places to eat; they’re places to connect.
When it comes to dining out, the Blair-Morgan family enjoys the strong Mexican food scene in Mitchell. Austin’s personal favorite is El Columpio — especially the Pollo Picoso — while Kyla and Liam lean toward Corona Village. Still, if asked to pick a favorite restaurant overall, Austin laughs and answers, “Cattleman’s!”

Outside of work, Austin has been a devoted Miami Dolphins fan since he was six years old. He loves soccer — particularly futsal, the fast-paced indoor version of the game — and golfing. In Pierre, adult soccer was limited to summer outdoor play, but Mitchell’s futsal league reignited his passion for the sport. So fast paced.

Some of Austin’s favorite places in Mitchell include the soccer fields and parks, the Rec Center, local Mexican restaurants, both golf courses, and the trails by the lake. Memorable events like Parade of Lights, Arts in the Park, Pre-Sturgis, the Carnival, and local soccer tournaments have helped make lasting family memories.

For newcomers considering Mitchell, Austin offers simple advice: follow the Rec Center, Chamber, and Mitchell Main Street and Beyond on Facebook. “There are so many activities all the time,” he says. Staying connected makes it easy to feel involved.

If he could change one thing? He laughs — “A lazy river at Hitchcock.” But overall, he wouldn’t change much.

When asked to sum up his feelings about life here, Austin says it best:

“This life in Mitchell may be simple, but it feels like exactly where I’m meant to be.”

And for Austin Blair and his growing family, Mitchell isn’t just where they work — it’s where they belong.