Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Austin Yancey.
Hi Chef Austin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Chef Austin Yancey grew up in South Carolina where he first discovered a passion for cooking in his grandmother’s kitchen. Working in restaurants throughout high school, he fell in love with the industry and decided to move to Chicago and pursue a career in culinary arts. As a student at Le Cordon Bleu of Chicago, he expanded upon the rich traditions and warm hospitality of southern farm-to-table cuisine that shaped his childhood. During that time Chef Austin spent years cooking in various kitchens including hotels, country clubs, private restaurants, and sports service arenas before landing his dream job at world renowned Alinea, a 3-Star Michelin restaurant in Chicago. After leaving Alinea, Chef Austin joined the Culinary Instructor team at Le Cordon Bleu and created the school’s first competition cooking club. Chef Austin enjoyed giving back to the community by mentoring and training young chefs who have since gone on to developed successful careers in the hospitality industry.
Elite Personal Chefs was created in 2011 with the vision of sharing Chef Austin’s passion for elevated food and culinary innovation with the world. Chef Austin brings elements of fine dining into the catering scene with seasonal ingredients, customized menus, and unparalleled service. As a corporate chef and consultant, he connects clients with amazing products through an international network of culinary leaders, chefs, and industry professionals.
Credential, Awards, and Achievements:
Certified Executive Chef, Certified Culinary Educator, Personal Certified Executive Chef; American Culinary Federation
SME & Curriculum Development for Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Adjunct Instructor Kendall College, Culinary Program
Educator of the Year in Academic Leadership, Career Education Corporation, 2012
Educator of the Quarter: Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago Q3, 2011
Inducted into Disciples Escoffier International, USA; Lifetime Member, 2015
Candidate; CMC Training Program, Chef Edward Leonard; Le Cordon Bleu, NA
Dubai World Championship Team USA; Team Member; Gold Medal
Individual ACF Competition Experience; 3 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze
2012 Rivana; “What’s in your Wok?” National Winner
IDPH FSSMC Instructor/Proctor
ServSafe Certified Instructor/Proctor
Olson Communications “Chefs of Tomorrow” Grant Recipient
ACF Member; Chapter: Windy City Professional Culinarians
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As with any business venture, there are ups and downs, daily obstacles, along with successes and failures. We are providing our clients with an array of high-end culinary services but also providing our Chefs with a platform to be creative, independent, and share in the long-term success of the company. This novel business model is being formed and continuously manipulated as we grow and continue on this journey of entrepreneurship. Overcoming the challenges is what makes it all worth it!
The Covid-19 Pandemic has certainly been a challenge to navigate as our industry, like many others, was hit hard for both the clients and the Chefs. Luckily, we have amazing clients who simply want to enjoy great culinary experiences and our team of high-end Chefs provide those experiences in a safe and approachable way. The name of the game in Covid is simply surviving, as we all get through an unprecedented situation together. We will inevitably come out stronger on the other side.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Elite Personal Chefs is a culinary services platform, connecting clients with high-end Chefs, while also providing an incentive program that allows our Chefs to share in the long-term success of the company. We are proud of both the technology platform but also the novel business model we have created. Our technology was designed with the creativity and entrepreneur spirit of the Chefs in mind, giving them the ability to control all aspects of their individual business. They can set their own hours, cook the food they specialize in, and connect on a personal level with their clients. Ultimately, the Chefs also participate in the long-term value of the company. Where most companies are happy to take a commission from their professional workers, we do just the opposite and invest that commission in the company, to be returned back to the professional in the future. at a higher amount. We are the first marketplace to offer this particular incentive program to our pros and it sets us apart from the rest. Our Chefs are our most valuable asset and we feel it is important to reward their hard work and efforts that helped build our organization from the ground up.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Because of our Professional Incentive Program, we are able to attract and retain high-end, Executive level Chefs who are capable and available for any customizable culinary experience. The answer is always yes at EPC!
Pricing:
- Weekly Meal Delivery
- Private Dining Experiences
- Corporate Consulting
- Full-Time Private Chefs
- Event Catering
Contact Info:
- Email: chefaustin@elitepersonalchefs.com
- Website: https://www.elitepersonalchefs.com/
- Instagram: elitepersonalchefs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=elite%20personal%20chefs
