The perfect interplay of exacting esthetics, picky palates, and tailored strategic thinking ensure branding for our clients hits the mark.
Photo Credit: Aliza Eliazarov
Chris Struck, Consulting Trade Strategist
Chris Struck credits his upbringing in a large, hybrid French-Deeply Southern U.S. family in the coastal city of Destin, Florida as what incited his passion for food and beverage at an early age.
He began cooking professionally within Chef Tim Creehan’s fine dining restaurant group at the age of 14 and supplemented his formal restaurant apprenticeship with self-study trips to Europe, working in both kitchens and vineyards to gain greater knowledge of regional cuisines and wines.
After completing his undergraduate degrees in Culinary Arts & Food Service Management at Johnson & Wales University, Struck gained certifications from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, the Society of Wine Educators, the Court of Master Sommeliers Americas, and the Deutsche Wein und Sommelierschule in Koblenz, Germany. Struck holds an Executive MBA in Food Marketing from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia.
Restaurant experience has included opening 8 restaurants in both front and back of house capacities, most recently as an assistant sommelier at Racines NY and Danny Meyer’s flagship Union Square Cafe, where he worked as a sommelier for more than four years.
He is currently Beverage Director for ilili restaurant in New York City. In addition to working as a full-time sommelier and consultant, Struck has taught beverage and marketing classes as an Adjunct Lecturer in the Hospitality Management Department of the College of Technology at the City University of New York (CUNY) since 2018, and previously served as Program Director of the Sommelier Society of America.
Follow his beverage and food adventures via Instagram @chris_struck
Vanessa Trost, Senior Consultant
Vanessa is an adviser to global brands & corporate culture. A global marketing expert, she advises diverse industries of appropriate marketing strategies, trends and tactics. She is an accomplished communications professional with expertise in design, food and technology industries. With a unique insiders understanding of international trends, she positions and market products to specific consumer segments, and fosters departmental relationships in the corporate world. Her previous career as a journalist and work in international markets has given her a distinct perspective on fostering business relationships and promoting products on both sides of the spectrum. Tweet her @VanessaTrost
