Culinary Arts to the Next Level

We welcome our new Culinary Arts Instructor

Getting hired to work at the Academy is neither a quick nor easy proposition. Our hiring process hinges on the involvement and opinions of our members. There are tours, interviews, informal visits and finally an all-day “working interview” for finalist candidates. The process to hire our new Culinary Arts Instructor lasted nearly four months – and we are very pleased with the results.

Ben Burnside, at right in photo above, comes to us with more than 15 years of Culinary and Chef experience. After working in high-end restaurants in Chicago and San Francisco, he has relocated to Sarasota and embarked on a new career at the Academy. He will be working alongside members, staff and Patty Haltinner, our Nutritionist, to develop health-conscious meal options.

As stated by Sam, one of our members, “We are excited to have Ben as a new staff member. He is an understanding, patient and kind person who is experienced and well educated.”