Three Ways to Create a Healthy Work Environment for Young Chefs | Modern Restaurant Management | The Business of Eating & Restaurant Management News

Running a kitchen can feel like the ultimate test of leadership, especially as the industry has changed in a post-pandemic world. Many chefs are feeling the shift from the kitchens we grew up in, which were often a mix of verbal intensity and hierarchical stereotypes at work.

While hierarchy in the kitchen should be maintained and respected, the days of someone not having a say because of their rank are gone. Young chefs value the opportunity to provide feedback and feel like their voice is heard. As a leader, you can’t know what your team is going through at all times, but you can provide an environment where communication and respect are mutual.

I base my leadership philosophy on a quote from Lil Wayne: “Real g’s move in silence like lasagna" To me, this means that if you are going to talk the talk, you need to walk the walk with your actions. Don’t just talk about how to lead, lead by example. If I say that chefs should create kitchens that have open and respectful…

Andres Kaifer

Andres Kaifer was born and raised into Spanish culture which has remained a key aspect and driving force in his life and career. He learned the basics from his mother, worked in his first restaurant job at age 15 before graduating from the Culinary Institute of America. Starting in Miami, Kaifer worked in esteemed restaurants, including Wish, Wynwood Kitchen and Bar, Area 31, and partnering on Beaker & Gray and Mason. First landing in Durham, Kaifer worked at The Durham Hotel, Crawford & Son and Vidrio before finding his way to Charlotte, where he worked as the culinary director at Mac’s Hospitality Group, overseeing the vision and operations of all brands and locations. In 2022, the opportunity arose to take over as Executive Chef and Owner of Charlotte's mainstay, Customshop, where he brought his culinary expertise, menu development and all areas of restaurant operations and management.

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Andres Kaifer