The Next Idea: Celebrating Chefs Who Turn Curiosity into Innovation
The best ideas don’t always arrive on schedule. Sometimes they appear during a busy lunch rush. Sometimes they emerge while testing a new recipe. Sometimes they come from a conversation with a guest, a colleague or a member of the kitchen team.
Great chefs know inspiration can come from anywhere. They stay curious, challenge assumptions and never stop looking for ways to improve the experience for the people they serve.
This Chef Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating culinary leaders whose creativity and vision are helping shape what’s next in dining.
Chris Frisa
Chef Manager
Canteen
Chef Chris has built a culture where creativity and quality go hand in hand. Through his leadership, he has transformed the dining experience for guests while driving remarkable growth across his operation. Whether introducing new culinary concepts, enhancing presentation or finding innovative ways to engage customers, Chris approaches every challenge with curiosity and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Jason Arellano
Executive Chef
CulinArt Group
Chef Jason brings a fresh perspective and modern approach to every kitchen he leads. Known for balancing progressive ideas with strong culinary fundamentals, he has helped energize dining programs and create memorable guest experiences. His passion for innovation is matched by his ability to inspire those around him, proving that some of the best ideas come from seeing familiar things through a new lens.
Mike Berry
Executive Chef
Restaurant Associates
For Chef Mike, innovation means finding opportunities in every challenge. While leading the transition to a new food hall and dining destination, he successfully balanced long-term planning with day-to-day excellence. His focus on wellness, sustainability and guest experience reflects a forward-thinking approach that continues to elevate workplace dining and create value for both guests and clients.
Connor Shanahan
Regional Executive Chef
Wolfgang Puck Catering
Chef Connor understands that great ideas can come from anywhere. By fostering collaboration and encouraging teams to think differently, he helps create solutions that strengthen operations and enhance the guest experience. His strategic mindset and willingness to embrace new approaches have made him a leader who is constantly looking ahead while keeping people at the center of every decision.
The culinary world is always evolving, and the chefs who help shape its future are the ones who never stop learning.
Chris, Jason, Mike and Connor approach their craft with curiosity, creativity and a willingness to challenge what’s possible. Their ideas don’t just enhance dining experiences today. They inspire new possibilities for tomorrow.