ABOUT THE FOUNDER:

Born in Boston and eventually relocating to Miami, Founder and Executive Chef Jake Kianos found his passion for cooking at his family's string of diners in Massachusetts’ South Coast Region.  Jake honed his culinary skills at over 15 restaurants, hotels, and catering companies including Fairmont's Turnberry Isle Resort in Miami, Hillstone in New York City, and Emeril Lagasse's NOLA in New Orleans.  Jake had a notable military career as well. He enlisted in the US Army where he served as an Infantry Officer and earned the rank of Captain.  He was the Distinguished Academic Graduate of his Officer Candidate School Class, and went on to earn the coveted Army Ranger Tab and Airborne Tab before serving as a Platoon Leader in combat during a year-long deployment with the 82nd Airborne Division in Ramadi, Iraq.  He's an honors graduate from the University of Florida, holds a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University, and has a Master’s degree in Hospitality Entrepreneurship from the prestigious Hotel School at Cornell University.  Jake will be launching BEAN & BATTER, a chef-driven café, bakery, & coffee roaster in 2023.