Celebrating Black History Month 2025: Jeffrey Carl Cortez
We’re celebrating Black History Month and this year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor,” at Compass Group by honoring leaders like Jeffrey Carl Cortez, Executive Chef with Restaurant Associates. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and staying true to your roots. Growing up in St. Albans, Queens – a vibrant New York City neighborhood with a rich history of jazz legends and entertainers – Jeffrey was the youngest in a tight-knit family of five. With his parents and two older sisters, Carla and Jeralyn, life in St. Albans was about more than just community; it was about family, culture, and the values that shaped him into the leader he is today.
“I always enjoyed cooking at a young age,” Chef Jeffrey recalls. “I remember asking my mom if we could pick something out of the Joy of Cooking cookbook. Those moments in the kitchen sparked a joy that has never left me.”
Even after pursuing a career in finance, the kitchen remained his happy place. After eight years in the financial industry, he took a bold step—starting culinary school at night while still working full-time. With the support of his mother and two grandmothers, who were all talented cooks, Jeffrey embarked on his culinary journey.
Fast forward 20 years, Chef Jeffrey is now entering his 15th year with Restaurant Associates. “What I love most is that I can continue to grow, work on my craft, and be the best chef I can be—all while helping others around me,” he shares. His leadership has fostered a culture of accountability and opportunity. “As a chef, if you work hard and you’re accountable for your actions, it creates a culture of responsibility amongst the kitchen and your staff.”
The values instilled by his hardworking parents continue to guide him. Growing up in the ’70s and ’80s, Jeffrey watched both his parents work full-time while encouraging their children to seize every opportunity. “Those memories influence me to this day,” he says. “They keep me focused and driven to pursue the next challenge.”
This year alone, Chef Jeffrey has celebrated remarkable milestones for his team: mentoring an Apprentice to complete their course, supporting his receiver’s transition to Back-of-House Manager at a major Hudson Yards account, and guiding his Sous Chef to become an Executive Chef. “They all worked hard to achieve their goals, and I’m happy I was able to support them along their journey,” he says with pride.
For Chef Jeffrey, it’s about more than just leadership—it’s about connection. “It’s opportunities like these that my parents always talked about,” he reflects. “Sharing your views, your ideas, or just your thoughts in an open forum allows others to learn more about you. And by peeling back another layer, you open up a better opportunity for change.”