Brad Barnes Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Brad Barnes, born in New Haven, has carved an impressive path in the culinary world over the past 26 years. His journey began in the bustling kitchens of restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and country clubs across the United States and Europe. Through these diverse experiences, Brad honed his skills in all aspects of the food service industry. His expertise spans a wide range of cuisines, and he is distinguished as one of America's 59 Certified Master Chefs, a testament to his dedication and proficiency in the culinary arts. Brad's career is marked by his deep involvement in both the kitchen and the front-of-house operations. His roles have often seen him leading wine programs, enhancing service standards, and managing bar operations. Coupled with his culinary prowess is a solid understanding of the accounting and financial nuances vital to the food service business. This comprehensive skill set has made him a sought-after professional in his field. In his capacity as the National Certification Chairperson for the American Culinary Federation, Brad has played a crucial role in updating culinary certification standards and revising the prestigious Certified Master Chef Exam, conducted annually at the Culinary Institute of America. He is a frequent lecturer on various culinary topics and a respected Certified International Culinary Judge under the World Association of Cooks Societies. His dedication to advancing the culinary arts is further underscored by his numerous US and international competition medals and his advisory role for the ACF Culinary Team 2004. Brad's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found B&B Solutions, a Manhattan-based food and beverage consulting firm specializing in turnaround management for the hospitality industry. The firm also offers culinary educational programs for many of the nation's top culinary institutions. Additionally, Brad co-authored "So You Want To Be A Chef?" with his partner Lisa Brefere, a comprehensive guide for those aspiring to make a career in the food industry. His influence extends to designing and producing specialty kitchen tools for the Chef Revival company. Brad resides in Yonkers, New York, with his wife Laura and their son Joseph. His professional journey, marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a passion for fostering culinary education, continues to inspire aspiring chefs and industry professionals alike.