TurboChef, CookTek Add VP of Culinary

TurboChef and CookTek have welcomed Brett Freifeld to the role of vice president of culinary. He will be based at the manufacturers’ headquarters in Carrollton, Texas.

Freifeld, a Culinary Institute of America honors graduate, brings decades of expertise and passion to the industry. He began his career in Florida, refining his craft at upscale restaurants, hotels and country clubs. His big break came when he helped launch Dan Marino’s Town Tavern, later leading him to Orlando’s renowned Pointe Orlando location. His success caught the attention of Hard Rock Cafe, where he was recruited to launch the NBA City joint venture and rose to head of culinary worldwide for Hard Rock.

Following his time with Hard Rock, Freifeld held senior culinary roles at Damon’s Grill, Mazzio’s Pizza and Kroger, where he was a TurboChef customer and responsible for executing the TurboChef ovens for the foodservice program. More recently, he served as corporate executive chef at Alto-Shaam.

TurboChef and CookTek announced last month the hiring of Shan Shevade as vice president of innovation, and the expansion of Kerry Chace’s role to become the vice president of international business development.