Vivian Howard
Vivian Howard, Chef and Owner of Boiler Room, Benny's Big Time Pizzeria, and Chef & The Farmer in Kinston, NC, shares her career timeline and advice for up-and-coming professionals.
“I love kitchen culture - the shared creative spirit and generous nature of this work. I’m driven by collaboration and feeding people both physically and emotionally.„
Be open to lessons in the most unlikely of places. Not all cooking techniques are learned in the professional kitchen, and not all inspiration comes from fancy restaurants.
Mike Sheerin at WD-50 told me two things that stuck with me: Work smarter not harder….and always have the right tools for the job.
Taste as you go. Taste all the time.
When we look for team members, we have our eye out for folks who want to try something new. We live and work in rural Eastern Carolina, and the rhythm is different here. We want folks who are interested in applying traditional foodways towards relevant, modern technique with an emphasis on sustainable agriculture. I guess you’d call it “niche cooking."
Send Us Your Nominations
If you know of any extraordinary food, beverage and hospitality professionals who inspire others through their hard work and leadership, nominate them now!
Inspirational Career Timelines
Find your inspiration in the unique career timelines and words of advice these industry leaders have shared.
- Categories
Culinary
Pastry & Baking
Wine & Beverage
Service
Office & Admin
Media
- Experience
Career Changer
International Experience
James Beard Award
Oops! No results have been found for your selection.
Please update your selection to see more Inspirational Career Timelines.
Jocelyn RamirezOwnerTodo Verde
Bryan Lee WeaverExecutive Chef/Partner Butcher & Bee and Redheaded Stranger
Julia ConeyFounderBlack Wine Professionals
Erika ChouCo-Founder & CEORivers & Hills Hospitality Group LLC
Brian LandryOwner/ChefQED Hospitality
Josh WolkonOwnerSecret Sauce Restaurant Group
Cherif MbodjiGeneral ManagerBludorn
Antonio MoraExecutive Chef Quality Bistro
Phil BarnesExecutive ChefThe King's Kitchen
Ghaya OliveiraExecutive Pastry ChefDaniel
Miguel de LeonGeneral Manager and Wine DirectorPinch Chinese
Kelly JeunExecutive ChefFrasca Food and Wine
Jacob SessomsCo-Owner/Executive ChefCultura
Tiffany BowenProprietorHarlem Hookah
Thomas KellerChef/Proprietor Chef, Restaurateur, and Cookbook Author
Sarah RobbinsChief Operating Officer21c Museum Hotels
Fabio TrabocchiChef / OwnerFabio Trabocchi Restaurants
Amy RacineBeverage DirectorJF Restaurants
Grant AchatzChef and OwnerThe Alinea Group
Adam MonetteGeneral Manager and PartnerFlagstaff House Restaurant
Aria DorseyDirector of Operations & WineRolf & Daughters and Folk.
Dan HonigOwnerHappy Valley Meat Company
DLynn Proctor DirectorFantesca Estate & Winery
Kristine BasasHuman Resources ManagerBoka Restaurant Group
Alice ChengFounder & CEOCulinary Agents
Rayme RosselloOwnerComida
Simon KimProprietorCote Korean Steakhouse
Jasmine CroweFounder & CEOGoodr
Emery WhalenCEO/Co-OwnerQED Hospitality
Jason NeveExecutive ChefRooster’s Wood Fired Kitchen
Rose NoelExecutive ChefMaialino Mare
Ryan PeraChef and Co-OwnerAgricole Hospitality
Jennifer LeuzziHost & ProducerTech Bites
Cannon PorterAssociate PartnerAba, Beatrix Fulton Market, Ema, The Dalcy (LEYE)
Joey WardExecutive Chef and Owner Southern Belle & Georgia Boy
Deanne Steffen Chinn Corporate Pastry ChefBig Heart Hospitality
Alain Verzeroli Director of Culinary OperationsInvest Hospitality
Jonathan BennoExecutive ChefBenno and Leonelli Restaurants
Erica James General Manager Momotaro and the Izakaya
Angie Rito Chef/PartnerDon Angie & Quality Italian
Chris ShepherdChef/OwnerUnderbelly Hospitality & Southern Smoke
Kevin BoehmCo-OwnerBoka Restaurant Group
Kimberly GalbanSenior Executive Service and Operations Director Hogsalt
Ian RyneckiExecutive ChefPippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
Erin SmithChef/OwnerFeges BBQ
Jason PfeiferDirector of Culinary OperationsManhatta
Carlin KarrWine DirectorFrasca Food and Wine, Inc.
Alexander HarrisCulinary DirectorEmma’s Torch
Samantha ShermanNYC Director of Sales & MarketingCushman Concepts
Ian PurkayasthaFounderRegalis Foods
Karen BornarthHead of Workforce DevelopmentHot Bread Kitchen
Bill Nevruz Vice President and Executive Partner Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
Stephanie JacksonChief People OfficerAurify Brands
Mailea WegerChef/OwnerLOU
Jessamyn Waldman Rodriguez Managing Director Daily Provisions
Brent BraunGeneral Manager, Partner, and Wine DirectorOK Omens and Castagna
Victoria James Beverage Director & PartnerCote Korean Steakhouse
Daniel GibsonService ManagerBlue Hill At Stone Barns
Eduardo Porto CarreiroBeverage DirectorRocket Farm Restaurants
Junghyun ‘JP’ ParkChef/OwnerAtoboy and Atomix
Ashley M. Abodeely Executive ChefThe Firehouse Hotel
Jennifer BellChief Marketing OfficerLettuce Entertain You Enterprises
Nicholas TangExecutive ChefDBGB Kitchen & Bar
Rhadia HurseyPresidentNew York Women's Culinary Alliance
Scott WeinerPresidentFifty/50 Management Group, Inc
Julie QiuOyster Sommelier & FounderIn A Half Shell
Tab VolpePastry Chef No. 9 Park
Nadine DonovanExecutive Pastry ChefAce Eat Serve & Ace Juice Bar
Nicholas J. BathurstDirector of HospitalityBackal Hospitality Group
Jennifer FoucherHead SommelierFiola
Jack McGarryManaging PartnerBest Bar in The World Group
Anna McGormanDirector of Culinary OperationsMilk Bar
Brad Kilgore Chef/Owner Alter, Kaido, and Ember
Renata AmeniExecutive Pastry ChefCrown Shy
Neal FraserExecutive Chef and OwnerRedbird, Vibiana, Fritzi
Jiho KimExecutive Pastry ChefThe Modern
Floyd CardozFormer Vice President CulinaryEstiatorio Milos
Pascaline LepeltierMeilleur Ouvrier de France, Best Sommelier de France, Master Sommelier, & Managing PartnerRacines NY
Bobby StuckeyOwner and Master SommelierFrasca Food and Wine Group
Eric BostChef and OwnerAuburn
Jen PelkaFounder, CEO & OwnerMagnum PR and The Riddler
Tony CarsonGeneral ManagerThe Modern
Peter HoglundDirector of Operations and PartnerFrasca Food and Wine
Sandra SchäuffeleAssistant General ManagerPer Se
Greg BaxtromChef and OwnerOlmsted
Julia TurshenWriter and Cookbook AuthorSelf-Employed
Harlan ScottPresident Harlan Scott Hospitality
Jeff KatzPartnerThe Restaurants at 70 Pine
Paige LombardiChef de CuisineOleana
Steven SatterfieldCo-Owner and Executive ChefMiller Union
Lindsey BittnerPastry ChefLeonelli Restaurants
Cliff MoriFounder and PresidentBREW-Ed Brewery Tours
Jordan SalcitoFounder / CEORAMONA
Hans LuttmannDirector of Hospitality & Managing PartnerRossoblu
Pat O'MalleyPastry Chef and OwnerHungry Pigeon
Lena CiardulloExecutive ChefUnion Square Cafe
Carina BarreraGeneral ManagerThe Charter Oak
Spike MendelsohnCo-FounderPLNT Burger
Stephen FormanExecutive ChefKeyBank Center - Delaware North
Sam PoguePrincipalPaper to Table
Sabato SagariaMaster Sommelier, Strategic AdvisorPinnacle of Excellence
Patrick O'ConnellChef & ProprietorThe Inn at Little Washington
Khuong PhanFood & Beverage PR, Marketing and Concept DevelopmentAtelier Ace / Ace Hotel
Ashley WaughBar Director / General ManagerBarbara Lynch Collective
Linton HopkinsChef & ProprietorResurgens Hospitality Group
Sarah RosenbergFounder & CEOWicked Good Media
Marjorie Meek-BradleyExecutive ChefSt Anselm
Sean KinoshitaExecutive ChefTIAA Bank Field - Delaware North
Jessica NowickiChef de CuisineSafta
Jonathan SearleExecutive ChefLockbox
Rita JammetOwnerLa Caravelle Champagne / Wines
Lars KristiansenVice President Food & Beverage Great Wolf Lodge
Ryan HardyExecutive Chef and PartnerDelicious Hospitality Group
Dawn HedgesExecutive ChefBuffalo Niagara International Airport - Delaware North
Edouardo JordanChef and OwnerSalare Restaurant and Junebaby
Grayson SchmitzRecipe DevelopmentOlivier Cheng Catering & Events
Nicholas ElmiChef and OwnerNicholas Elmi Restaurants
Katie BellHospitality ConsultantDIG
Evan SungPhotographerEvan Sung Photography
Leigh OmilinskyPastry ChefBellemore, Swift & Sons, Cold Storage Seafood
Katianna HongFormer Executive ChefThe Charter Oak
Diane Moua Executive Pastry ChefSpoon and Stable & Bellecour
Amanda CohenChef/OwnerDirt Candy
Lachlan Mackinnon-PattersonExecutive Chef/OwnerFrasca Food and Wine
François HiegelExecutive Head BakerRestaurants of Chef Thomas Keller
Aimee OlexyOwnerTalula's Table, Talula's Garden, Talula's Daily, The Love
Taylor CrowleyDirector of Sales & MarketingBoka Restaurant Group
Melanie TappF&B Senior Director21c Museum Hotels
Shelley LindgrenCo-Owner and Wine DirectorA16 and SPQR
Adam VavrickOwnerDo Right Distribution LLC
Gayle MinerService ManagerBlue Hill at Stone Barns
Kurt ChenierExecutive ChefTarget Field, Delaware North
Anton BollingExecutive ChefFiola Mare
Camilla MarcusFounderwest~bourne
Vincent SpinosoChief Operating OfficerMetropolitan Hospitality Group
Jen Hidinger-KendrickCo-Founder and PartnerStaplehouse
Alex McCreryCo-OwnerTilit NYC
Andrew IsabellaExecutive ChefBeetlecat
Ben PuchowitzChef and Co-OwnerCheu Noodle Bar, Bing Bing Dim Sum, Cheu Fishtown
Tova du PlessisOwnerEssen Bakery
Nicholas ForresterGeneral ManagerVernick Food & Drink
Anncherie SaludoBeverage DirectorL'Artusi
Benjamin WeisbergerGeneral ManagerLuce Restaurant
Erin ClarkeExecutive ChefSfoglina Rosslyn
Mike RafidiExecutive ChefRequin - The Wharf
Corey ChowChef de CuisinePer Se
Stuart McDonaldDirector of TrainingChick-fil-A
Melissa PerelloExecutive Chef and OwnerM. Georgina, Octavia, and FRANCES
Lou Ann DorneyDirector Of OperationsThe Hamilton Kitchen & Bar
Amalia ScatenaExecutive ChefGoat.Sheep.Cow
Kenneth FolandExecutive Sous ChefBusch Stadium, Delaware North Sportservice
Matt GarlandChef de CuisineEastern Standard
Brooks ReitzFounder and PartnerJack Rudy Cocktail Co., Leon's Oyster Bar, & Little Jack's Tavern, Melfi's, & Monza Pizza Bar
Helen JohannesenPartner and Beverage DirectorHelen's Wines and Jon & Vinny's
Will CostelloMaster Sommelier and Estates AmbassadorBien Nacido and Solomon Hills Estates
Ben PottsBar Director and Partner The Sylvester, Beaker & Gray
Gretchen RicherDirector of People OperationsUnion Square Hospitality Group
Rachel DelRoccoAssociate Editor and Spirits WriterWine and Spirits Magazine
Dominique AnselChef and OwnerDominique Ansel
Melissa RodriguezExecutive ChefDel Posto
George MendesChef and PartnerAldea and Lupulo
Melissa DavisBeverage Director Revelator Coffee Company
Suzanne CuppsExecutive Chef232 Bleecker
Belinda ChangCEOSelf-employed
Dan PerrettaExecutive ChefThe Aviary
Maneet ChauhanPresident and Founding Partner Morph Hospitality
Ken OringerChef and Managing PartnerJK Food Group and Uni Boston
Craig RichardsChef/Owner Lyla Lila
Nancy CushmanCo-Owner and FounderCushman Concepts
José MendinChef and Owner The Pubbelly Group
Jeni Britton BauerFounder and Chief Creative Officer Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Stephanie Castellucci General Manager and OwnerCastellucci Restaurant Group
Daniel RoseExecutive Chef and PartnerChez la Vieille, Le Coucou, La Bourse et la Vie
Nelson DaquipWine and Spirits DirectorCanlis Restaurant
Zachary EngelOwner and Head ChefGalit
James ZollerChef de CuisineTRACE Austin
Mike SolomonovChef / PartnerCook N Solo Restaurants
Marie PetullaDirector Of OperationsTrejo's Tacos
Mike WadjaChef PartnerHonest Hospitality Group LLC
Angel PostellFounderBevCon
Kelly FieldsChef and OwnerWilla Jean
Andrea BorgenOwner and General ManagerBarcito
Alexander BurgerExecutive ChefThe Amsterdam
Sam KimFormer Executive Chef1789 Restaurant
Ben SteigersExecutive ChefPABU
Sarah SimmonsChef and OwnerCITY GRIT Hospitality Group, CITY GRIT, Birds & Bubbles, Rise Gourmet Goods & Bakeshop
Kevin MaxeyVice President of Tex-MexRocket Farm Restaurants
Jonas AndersenBusiness Development ManagerGreat Northern Food Hall
Joanne ChangChef and Co-OwnerFlour Bakery & Café and Myers+Chang
Jean Luc RoyereExecutive ChefThe Post Oak
Sara FetbrothGeneral ManagerOleana Restaurant
Josh EvenExecutive ChefTofino Wines
Matthew RidgwayExecutive ChefCooks & Soldiers
Tessa ThompsonExecutive RecruiterAmy Falbaum & Associates
Philippe BertineauFormer Executive ChefBenoit New York
Josh HendersonChef and FounderHuxley Wallace Collective
Carmen QuagliataVice President of Business DevelopmentSelect Restaurants
Morgan SchickCreative DirectorThe Bon Vivants and Trick Dog
Drew BellineVice President and Culinary DirectorRocket Farm Restaurants
Eddy LerouxChef de CuisineDaniel
Dustin WilsonMaster Sommelier and Co-FounderVerve Wine
Charlotte VoiseyDirector of Brand AdvocacyWilliam Grant & Sons USA
Eric RailsbackPartner and Wine DirectorMason Pacific
Nick AndererExecutive Chef / PartnerAnton’s
Chris CosentinoChef and OwnerCockscomb and Acacia House
Matt AlbaChef de CuisineAd Hoc
Scott BairdCo-FounderThe Bon Vivants
Aggie ChinExecutive Pastry ChefMirabelle
Ezra PattekAttaché The Bon Vivants
Robert Andreozziformer Chef de CuisinePizzeria Locale
Adam NadelExecutive ChefCasa Apicii
Brandon MalzahnExecutive Pastry ChefJW Marriott Marco Island
Michael PaleyExecutive ChefCafé No Sé and Central Standard
Dan SnowdenExecutive ChefBad Hunter
Yehuda SichelExecutive ChefAbe Fisher
Josh HarrisCo-FounderThe Bon Vivants
Rhonda CrossonHead BakerMeyersUSA
Christie DufaultWine Instructor and Beverage InstructorCulinary Institute of America at Greystone
Dan KlugerChef and OwnerLoring Place and Penny Bridge
Simon KingFormer General ManagerThe Modern
Alex SeidelExecutive Chef, Proprietor and FarmerMercantile dining & provision, Fruition Restaurant and Fruition Farms Dairy & Creamery
Travis SwikardChef and OwnerCallie Restaurant
Wendy KallergisPresident and CEOGreater Miami Beaches and Hotel Association
Michael AnthonyExecutive Chef / PartnerGramercy Tavern & Untitled
Anthony StrongFormer Executive ChefDelfina Group
Barbara LynchChef and OwnerBarbara Lynch Collective
Angela NeriVice President and OwnerPony Up
Shawn CirkielExecutive Chef and OwnerParkside Projects
Jennifer CarrollChef and OwnerSpice Finch
Cynthia BilleaudFounder and Chief Recruiting OfficerFnBTalents
Gunnar Karl GíslasonExecutive Chef and OwnerSystir, Dill, Agern Restaurant
Borys SaciukDirector of Trade AdvocacyThe Bon Vivants
Alessandra AltieriDirector of Operations - HospitalityRalph Lauren Corporation
James BriscioneDirector of Culinary DevelopmentThe Institute of Culinary Education
Jean François BruelExecutive ChefDaniel
Aniedra NicholsExecutive Chef and OwnerTammen's Fish Market
Tavel Bristol-JosephPastry Chef / PartnerEmmer & Rye, Henbit, TLV, Hestia and Kalimotxo
Benjamin MurrayChef de CuisinePao by Paul Qui
Charlie ParkerExecutive ChefFlea Street Cafe
Jamie BissonnetteChef / PartnerToro, Coppa and Little Donkey
Vilma MazaiteRegional ManagerDomaine Select Wine & Spirits
Roxanne SpruanceExecutive Chef and Owner Kingsley
Gary ObligacionGeneral ManagerPost Ranch Inn
Matthew McClureExecutive ChefThe Hive
Jeremy SewallChef / PartnerLineage Restaurant, Island Creek Oyster Bar, Row 34 Fort Point, Row 34 Portsmouth
Jonathan DeutschProfessor of Culinary Arts and Food ScienceDrexel University, Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Anita LoFormer Executive Chef / OwnerAnnisa
Bryan DaytonProprietor/Beverage Director Oak at Fourteenth, Acorn, Corrida
Monica GlassCorporate Pastry ChefConstellation Culinary Group
Daniel ToralSommelierAd Lib
Anthony ChittumExecutive Chef / PartnerIron Gate Restaurant
Kevin FinkChef/OwnerEmmer & Rye
Kim FlorescaCo-Executive Chef[ONE] Restaurant
Timothy HollingsworthOwner / ChefOtium and Barrel & Ashes
John RaganMaster Sommelier, Director of Wine and Restaurant OperationsUnion Square Hospitality Group
Aaron BludornExecutive Chef & Owner Bludorn
Joseph YardleyChef de CuisineAgern Restaurant
James KentPartner and Executive Chef The Restaurants at 70 Pine
Chung ChowChef de Cuisine / Co-OwnerNoreetuh
Vivian HowardChef/OwnerBoiler Room, Benny's Big Time Pizzeria, Chef & The Farmer
Eric RiveraFormer Director of OperationsHuxley Wallace Collective
Jeff BenjaminChief Operating Officer & Executive VP Vetri Cucina & Fitler Club
Anthony RudolfPartnerUnion Square Play
Michaël EngelmannBeverage DirectorWS New York at Hudson Yards
Gavin KaysenExecutive Chef / OwnerSpoon and Stable & Bellecour
Jonathan BlackExecutive ChefPost Ranch Inn
Erik DesjarlaisOwner and MakerFitswell Apron Company
Abram BissellVice President, CulinarySydell Group
Johnny IuzziniFounderCHOCOLATE by Johnny Iuzzini
Carlton McCoyMaster Sommelier, President and CEOHeitz Cellar
Pierre SiueDirector Of OperationsThe Dinex Group - Chef Daniel Boulud
Melissa WalnockLecturing Instructor / Pastry ChefThe Culinary Institute of America
Jeffrey PorterSelf-employedLearning the Vines Consulting - Hospitality & Beverage Consulting
AJ SchallerExecutive ChefCuisine Solutions; CREA
Jason FraneyCorporate ChefMina Group
Joe CampanaleOwner and Beverage DirectorFausto
Erling Wu-BowerExecutive Chef and Co-OwnerThe Laurel Room, Pacific Standard Time
Sylva SenatChef Partner Senat & Co
Raj VaidyaHead SommelierDaniel
Cesar GutierrezExecutive Sous ChefCAFÉ BOULUD
Chris BaggettaBrand Ambassador ManagerStrategic Group
Jillian RoccoFormer Director of OperationsRow 34 and Island Creek Oyster Bar
Kevin DohertyExecutive ChefDelaware North Companies Sportservice at TD Garden
Graceanne JordanHospitality, Partnerships, and InvestmentsMilstein Companies
Donald MadiaOwner and PartnerOne Off Hospitality Group
Norman Van AkenExecutive Chef and OwnerNorman's
Marc FarrellFounder & CEOTen To One Rum
Brittney WilliamsPrivate Chef and Caterer BWC Catering LLC
Jonathan LindBar DirectorCrown Shy
Rodrigo RodriguezGeneral ManagerQuality Meats, Quality Italian
Alison CatesExecutive Pastry ChefButcher & Bee Charleston
