
Beverly Kim Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Speaking Fee:
$10,000 to $20,000
Travels From:
ORD - Chicago (All Airports)
Travels From:
ORD - Chicago (All Airports)
Primary Topic Category:
Chefs / Culinary / Food & WIne
Primary Topic Category:
Chefs / Culinary / Food & WIne
Secondary Topic Category:
Asian & Pacific Islander
Secondary Topic Category:
Asian & Pacific Islander
Beverly Kim Speaker Profile: At A Glance
Beverly Kim is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and advocate for women in the culinary industry. She is the co-owner of Parachute, a Michelin-starred Korean-American restaurant in Chicago, and Anelya, which showcases her Korean heritage. A finalist on Top Chef, she has earned accolades including the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes. Beyond the kitchen, Kim co-founded The Abundance Setting, a nonprofit supporting working mothers in hospitality. She speaks on culinary innovation, entrepreneurship, and creating a more inclusive restaurant industry.
Beverly Kim's culinary journey began in Downers Grove, Illinois, where she was raised by Korean immigrant parents. Her passion for cooking ignited during high school, leading her to secure an internship with Chef Sarah Stegner at The Ritz-Carlton in Chicago. This experience solidified her decision to pursue the culinary arts, culminating in her graduation from Kendall College in 2000.
After culinary school, Kim honed her skills at esteemed Chicago establishments, including Charlie Trotter's and Prairie Grass Cafe. She later assumed the role of executive chef at Opera and Aria in the Fairmont Hotel. In 2011, she gained national attention as a contestant on Season 9 of Top Chef, where she showcased her resilience and creativity, finishing in fourth place.
In 2014, Kim and her husband, Johnny Clark, opened Parachute, a Korean-American restaurant in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood. The restaurant quickly garnered critical acclaim for its innovative cuisine, earning a Michelin star and a loyal following. Their collaborative efforts were recognized in 2019 when they received the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes.
Building on their success, the couple launched Wherewithall in 2019, offering a dynamic dining experience with a frequently changing menu. Beyond her restaurant ventures, Kim co-founded The Abundance Setting, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting working mothers in the culinary industry, reflecting her commitment to fostering inclusivity and mentorship.
In early 2024, after a decade of service, Parachute closed its doors, marking the end of an era for the beloved establishment. Despite this, Kim's influence on Chicago's culinary landscape remains profound, as she continues to inspire and advocate for positive change within the industry.