About
Kirk Kelewae
At The Statler Hotel, I am the student supervisor in the kitchen at Taverna Banfi. When I’m not taking classes or working, I call Massillon, Ohio, home. My love for the culinary arts and an entrepreneurial spirit brought me to the Hotel School, and the incredible learning environment keeps me coming back.
After graduation, I plan on going into restaurant management and development. Some day I plan on being the owner of multiple independent restaurants all over the country.
The Statler Leadership Development Program—a program that trains students to become managers in The Statler Hotel—is helping me achieve my goals for the future through cross-training and special projects.
Cross-training has put me through every position at Taverna Banfi, from host to pastry chef. SLDP special projects have allowed me to get involved with other, more advanced aspects of running a restaurant,
including menu writing, beverage training, budgeting, and staffing. I hope to become student Chef de Cuisine at Taverna Banfi before I graduate.