Flavor, Tradition, and Connection: How Hispanic Culinarians Shape the Heart of AR Kitchen

At AR Kitchen, we believe that food is far more than nourishment—it is culture, memory, and community brought to life on a plate. Around our tables, culinary excellence isn't born from rigid rules; it is sparked by the diverse backgrounds, traditions, and human stories of the chefs who lead our kitchens.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we have been proud to honor the Hispanic chefs and team members across AR Kitchen whose artistry, dedication, and heritage infuse our corporate dining rooms, custom cafes, events, and pantry services with undeniable warmth and creativity.

Culture is Food, and Food is Culture

Across Latin America, food sits at the center of every meaningful gathering. It is the thread that weaves families, neighborhoods, and generations together. For our chefs, cooking is both a lifelong journey of learning and an act of sharing something profoundly meaningful.

"Culture is food and food is culture!" shares Sous Chef Fernando Pureco, who began his journey as a dishwasher in Mexico before joining AR Kitchen to master large-scale culinary production. "If there is a celebration, we share food with feelings, family, and friends. No matter where you are or where you’re from, there’s always food along with special gatherings."

The Art of Mastery & Heritage

For Michelin-starred Executive Chef Ciano Fernandini, cooking is a multi-generational legacy passed down through a family of chefs. Raised on traditional Peruvian techniques before cooking across South America, New York, and Silicon Valley, Chef Ciano’s approach honors Peru’s vibrant fusion of Spanish, African, Chinese, and Japanese influences.

"Respect the ingredients, where they come from, and their origins—it’s not just about following a recipe," says Chef Ciano. "When I cook ceviche, I remember my first years in the kitchen. My family, my country, my roots. You can feel that history in every fresh bite."

Growth, Dedication, and Storytelling

At AR Kitchen, creating community also means fostering growth within our own kitchen walls. Leading Sous Chef José Godoy, originally from Honduras, began his culinary career at AR Kitchen over ten years ago as a dishwasher and support staff member. After attending culinary school and climbing through the ranks, he now steers our Latin American culinary development.

"Latin food to me is all about the balance between simplicity and history," explains Chef José. "I love telling stories with the food, whether that's a story of a city, an ingredient, or a special moment in time. It's meant to be shared."

This spirit of growth and continuous learning defines our entire team. Sous Chef Edgar Rojas, who discovered his passion at 19 and honed his craft across Italian and Mexican kitchens, views every dish as a living piece of history.

"Food represents a community’s history, traditions, and identity," says Edgar. "Every dish tells a story and carries the flavors passed down from generation to generation."

Meanwhile, Sous Chef Remy Lopez, who joined AR Kitchen in 2016 and rose from prep cook to Sous Chef, brings a passion for global techniques and cross-cultural flavors—embracing everything from authentic Mexican cooking to regional Chinese cuisine.

Driving Creativity & Building a Better World

When workplace teams sit down to an AR Kitchen meal—whether it’s an executive dinner, a daily cafe special, or a craft snack from our Pantry bulk offerings—they are experiencing the collective creativity of a global team.

By honoring authentic techniques, sourcing with integrity, and empowering our culinary team to bring their whole selves to work, we create spaces where people feel connected, recharged, and inspired. Food has the power to bridge cultures, spark conversation, and make the world a warmer, more connected place—one plate at a time.

To all or chefs, Ciano, José, Fernando, Edgar, Remy, and our entire Hispanic culinary family: ¡Gracias por su pasión, liderazgo y dedicación!