Chef Chris Aquilino is a nationally acclaimed culinary executive, consultant, and educator with over 30 years of experience driving innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence across the foodservice industry. As Chief Culinary Officer at Elior North America, he leads enterprise-wide culinary strategy, policy process development, product development, and trend forecasting, elevating dining experiences across diverse sectors.

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Chris’s career includes influential leadership roles such as Vice President of Culinary at, Culinary Instructor, and Corporate Executive Chef for National R&D, Strategy & Innovation. 

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He is the founder of Chef Aquilino Consulting, LLC, and Further Culinary Group, a full-service culinary consultancy offering expertise in kitchen design, recipe development, food waste recovery, smart menu engineering, and branded content creation. His work supports startups, early-stage products, and established brands with hospitality-centric strategies and culinary innovation

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A passionate advocate for culinary education and sustainability, Chris is an engaged and active member of the American Culinary Federation (ACF), currently serving as Chapter President of the Charlotte Chapter and previously as Vice President. He also contributes to several advisory boards:

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• Chef Ambassador, The Burnt Chef Project (2025- present)

• Chef Advisory Board Member, Vitamix Commercial (2017–2020)

• Culinary Advisory Board Member, Forever Oceans (2021–2023)

• Culinary Chair & Committee Member, St. Jude/ALSAC Celebrity Chef & Wine Dinner (annually), supporting fundraising efforts in Charlotte and online

• Trends Panel Expert, Flavor & the Menu (2018-2023)

 

Throughout his career, Chris has worked alongside master chefs and culinary icons, contributing to high-profile events, product development, and educational initiatives. His work is rooted in culinary artistry, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to sustainability and community impact.