Bryan Voltaggio Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Bryan Voltaggio is a celebrated American chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author whose culinary journey began in his hometown of Frederick, Maryland. Raised in a family where meals often featured produce from their garden, he developed an early appreciation for fresh, locally sourced ingredients. His culinary career took shape during high school, where he worked as a busboy at the Holiday Inn in Frederick. Recognizing his passion for cooking, he pursued a vocational culinary program and, by age 15, was cooking in the kitchen. He later attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, where he honed his skills and began to shape his culinary philosophy. After graduating in 1999, Voltaggio worked under renowned chef Charlie Palmer at Aureole in New York City, eventually becoming the restaurant's sous chef. His time at Aureole, followed by a stint at the three-Michelin-starred Pic in France, deepened his commitment to refined techniques and ingredient-driven cooking. In 2003, he returned to Washington, D.C., to serve as executive chef at Charlie Palmer Steak. In 2008, Voltaggio opened VOLT in Frederick, Maryland, a modern American restaurant that garnered critical acclaim and a James Beard Foundation nomination for Best New Restaurant. The success of VOLT was further amplified by his appearance on Bravo's Top Chef Season 6, where he became a finalist. He later competed on Top Chef Masters Season 5 and Top Chef: All-Stars L.A., becoming the first chef to appear on both series. Beyond VOLT, Voltaggio expanded his culinary footprint with several ventures. He co-founded Family Meal, a casual dining concept, and Aggio, an Italian restaurant, both in Maryland. He also partnered with his brother Michael to open Voltaggio Brothers Steak House at MGM National Harbor and Estuary at the Conrad Hotel in Washington, D.C. In 2020, he reimagined VOLT as Thacher & Rye, focusing on approachable, seasonal dishes. Voltaggio is also a published author, co-writing VOLT ink. with his brother Michael and releasing Home: Recipes to Cook with Family and Friends, which reflects his commitment to family and community through food. His philanthropic efforts include supporting Share Our Strength in their mission to end childhood hunger and engaging with local culinary education programs. For his contributions to the community, he received the Key to the City of Frederick in 2010. Residing in Frederick with his wife Jennifer and their three children, Voltaggio continues to influence the culinary landscape through his restaurants, television appearances, and dedication to sustainable, community-focused cooking.