Getting to Know Robert:
With over 30 years in foodservice culinary operations, Chef Robert joins the Ignite Culinary Team with a deep bench of experience; from his early days in fine dining and banqueting to his most recent work alongside the sales team at Alto-Shaam. His equipment experience and time spent in product development, coupled with his knowledge base on building profitable foodservice programs, made Chef Robert a natural fit for Ignite’s continued expansion. He will undoubtedly bring a high level of growth and development to Ignite’s culinary offerings over the next year.
“I am all about people in the kitchen being happy… food makes the guests happy and therefore in turn makes the kitchen happy. It’s a wonderful feeling of good energy all around” says Chef Robert. Speaking of good energy, one of his finest foodie memories was while dining in Venice, Italy during truffle season. The chef noticed he was so enchanted by the decedent smells of the freshly shaved truffles, he brought Robert a plate on the house. Just as Chef Robert described, his own happy reaction made the chef so happy, he had to share his passion with the guest – no questions asked. At Ignite, this is the kind of stuff that truly drives our own passion for doing business each day.
“I am a sponge – I’m always looking to have new experiences and learn something,” says Chef Robert. “I’ve known many Rep Firms over my career, and I could not think of a better fit. Ignite’s focus on long term relationships and the perpetual customer development really resonated with me.” When you want to find Chef Robert outside of the kitchen, you will be lucky to catch him! An avid cyclist, Robert bikes over 6,000 miles per year. His cycling habit must by partially fueled by all the goodness his Pastry Chef wife bakes up at home… we’d definitely like an invite to THEIR dinner parties!
With his amazing experience and culinary skills, we are so excited to have Chef Robert join Ignite’s Culinary Team.
Please join us in welcoming Chef Robert into the Ignite Family!
Contact Information
Robert Simmelink, Director of Culinary Services
Email: robert@ignitefoodservice.com
Phone: 414-688-6890
Ready to meet Chef Robert and receive a personalized foodservice equipment demo? Schedule a FREE assessment below!
