Chef Andy Suarez LLC:

At Chef Andy Suarez LLC, we believe true culinary mastery extends far beyond the plate. It lives in the seamless execution of an intimate private dinner, the effortless flow of a luxury yacht outing, and the pure, shared joy of a hands-on cooking class.

Headquartered in Chicago and serving top luxury markets—including New York City, California, and Miami—our team brings client-inspired menus and bespoke culinary experiences anywhere you need us. From private chef services and fine dining events to interactive classes, team building, and culinary consulting, our passion is turning every gathering into an unforgettable memory.

Meet the Crew

We don’t just hire staff—we surround ourselves with good people who happen to be ridiculously good at what they do. Our team is a handpicked group of passionate chefs, mixologists, dancers, and service pros brought together by a shared love for great food and even better hospitality.

Whether we’re running a high-energy cooking class, executing a private yacht charter, or hosting an intimate ballet dinner, every single person on our team brings their own unique spark, serious skill, and genuine warmth.

We’re here to work hard, have fun, and make sure your experience is nothing short of unforgettable.

Person in black clothing, black hat, and glasses, pouring dry ice into a blue and white floral vase with flowers.

With 15+ years under his belt, a formal degree in Culinary Arts, and a portfolio ranging from luxury yacht charters to full-scale catering, Chef Andy Suarez is the engine behind our culinary vision. He created our company to deliver far more than just great food—he creates immersive, one-of-a-kind food experiences. As a true craftsman, Chef Andy stays involved in every single layer of the operation, bringing relentless passion, leadership, and a personal touch to every event.


Owner and Culinary Director- Chef Andy Suarez

Executive Sous Chef- Andrew Sanchez

Chef Andrew and Chef Andy Suarez go way back to their culinary school days, making them a seamless tag-team on and off the line. Bringing years of industry experience and a full-time background as a banquet chef, Andrew is the driving force behind our events and our trusted leader when Chef Andy is off-site. He combines serious kitchen talent with an infectious love for cooking—plus a top-tier collection of dad jokes that keep every event fun, relaxed, and running smooth.

Baylee Bankes- Apprentice Chef/Support Team

For Baylee, food has always been the ultimate form of care. She believes that what we eat has the power to transform how we feel, move, and live every day. As an apprentice chef focusing on specialized meal prep and direct support for Chef Andy, her mission is simple: to help prepare incredible, flavor-forward dishes that not only delight the palate, but also support long-term health and well-being from the inside out.

A smiling woman in a black shirt, glasses, and a red bandana, standing behind a kitchen counter with various bottles, in a commercial kitchen or restaurant setting.

Having trained directly under Chef Andy Suarez, Chef Koko embodies the core philosophy of our team: exceptional food paired with radical care for the people in front of us. She is a constant, steady force at every event and the guiding spirit behind our culinary classes. Leading with authentic kindness, Chef Koko turns every cooking class into an unforgettable, approachable experience and keeps the heart in everything we create.

Lead Chef Instructor- Kristen “KOKO” Ortiz

Lead Mixologist- Mihaela Rotari

Operating at 100 mph with world-class bar skills and electric energy, she is the ultimate hospitality triple threat. From crafting signature cocktails to cooking and leading Front of House, she does it all with absolute excellence—leaving us all wondering if there’s anything she can’t do!

A man wearing a chef's apron on a boat, holding a tray with four small cups of dessert, with a city skyline at sunset in the background.

Erick Suarez- Mixologist/ Yacht Bartender

Bringing top-tier hospitality to both land and sea, Erick is a vital double-threat for our team. Whether he’s crafting signature cocktails for private events or executing dual duties as a mixologist and deckhand on yacht charters, he delivers seamless, 5-star service every time. Erick loves creating a great vibe for guests, pairing high-level bartending skills with smooth, professional maritime support to make every event feel effortless.

A woman in a white shirt and dark apron arranging small yellow and orange flowers on a wooden table near a window.

Jackie Suarez - Bar/Support Team

A true jack-of-all-trades, Jackie plays a vital role across our event operations—seamlessly stepping in to assist in the kitchen and support our bar team. Beyond her work with us, she is an accomplished entrepreneur who owns and operates her own cleaning company. Thanks to her dual expertise, our clients enjoy complete peace of mind, knowing post-event cleanups are handled effortlessly. When she’s not running her businesses or supporting our line, you can find her crafting coffee as the force behind her own pop-up coffee bar.

People serving and selecting food at a buffet in a modern indoor setting with purple lighting.

Gavin Batley - Bartender/ Support Team

Exceptional service begins with great energy, and Gavin brings it to every single event. Supporting both behind the bar and across the floor, he is known for his unfailing positivity and natural ability to make everyone feel welcomed. Gavin leads with genuine warmth, sharing good vibes and care with guests and teammates alike—making him an absolute joy to have on our front-of-house team.

To Chef Sammie, a meal is more than just food—it’s an opportunity to create connection. Blending creative culinary techniques with flavor inspiration drawn from a melting pot of cultures, she crafts dishes that linger in your memory long after the last bite. Sammie’s genuine warmth and care shine through every plate, making every guest feel like family from the moment they take their seat.

Chef Sammie - Support Team

A smiling man with glasses and short brown hair wearing a chef's coat and a black apron, giving a thumbs-up gesture inside a modern building with large glass windows.

Chef Javier Gonzalez- Support Team

Chef Javier brings equal parts serious culinary talent and sharp humor to every event he touches. A true enthusiast for global flavors, when he isn't cooking with our team, he’s crafting exceptional Korean cuisine and building out custom meal preps. Outside the kitchen, Javier channels that same focus and drive into competing in CrossFit competitions. Whether he’s holding down the line or keeping the kitchen laughing with a quick joke, his energy makes every service a success.

Group of six people in aprons smiling in a kitchen or dining area with food and cooking utensils on the table.

With a deep reservoir of culinary experience, Chef Nadia has been an indispensable part of our team’s growth and success across countless events. Her history with Chef Andy traces back to 2014, when they first worked together at The Art Institute of Chicago. Bringing years of refined skill, steady leadership, and a deep-rooted passion for hospitality, Chef Nadia is a true cornerstone of our kitchen and a driving force behind every seamless service.

Chef Nadia Zapata- Support Team

Chef Jess- Support Team

Every team needs a perfectionist, and Jess delivers that with an incredible, upbeat attitude! A total culinary power, she brings flawless execution and meticulous care to every menu item she touches. When she isn’t crafting savory dishes, she’s unleashing her favorite talent: whipping up mind-blowing baked goods and stunning desserts. Jess brings precision, sweet craft, and total joy to every kitchen she enters!

Chef Pooja- Support Team

Chef Pooja is a constant source of warmth and positivity in our kitchen. No matter how fast-paced or demanding an event gets, she greets every shift with a genuine smile, a helping hand, and an eager readiness to support the team. Her kind heart, strong work ethic, and ability to keep the line fun and light alongside Chef Andy and the crew make her an essential, beloved part of every service.

Emily Suarez- Lead Ballet Dancer/Support Team

Meet the heart, grace, and inspiration behind our unique concept! As Chef Andy’s wife and partner, Emily brings serious artistic magic to our team as the Lead Ballet Artist for our signature chef-and-ballet curated events. Outside of her own thriving career in the ballet world, Emily is always right there in the mix—supporting Chef Andy’s culinary dream, helping behind the scenes, and making sure every event feels truly extraordinary.

Ellington Nichols- Ballet Dancer/Support Team

Bringing the discipline, poise, and artistry of a professional ballerina straight into the kitchen, Ellington is a uniquely talented force on our team. Supporting both culinary prep and Ballet performances, she brings exceptional energy, sharp focus, and a deep appreciation for high-level gastronomy. A genuine fan and student of Chef Andy’s cuisine, Ellington connects effortlessly with guests on the floor and executes with precision behind the scenes—making us incredibly lucky to have her grace both the kitchen and the dance floor.

Chef Mari Hayward- NYC Support Team

Chef Mari brings relentless drive, passion, and hard work to our NYC branch. Equally skilled at crafting delicate pastry creations as she is stepping up to cover savory line prep, Mari is always eager to learn, grow, and master new techniques. We’re thrilled to have her energy and versatility on the team!

Lezlie Gray- Ballet Dancer/Support Team

A performer of exceptional grace and a artist in the kitchen, Lezlie Gray is a true dual talent on our team. Seamlessly bridging the worlds of dance and gastronomy, she plays an essential role in our signature ballet and culinary dinners. Whether she is captivating guests as a ballerina or bringing her creative touch to kitchen execution, Lezlie’s artistry and passion bring a unique level of elegance to every experience.