Chef Appreciation Week: Featuring Chef Larry

Larry Williams is our corporate chef and has been with WebstaurantStore for over eight years. He is an incredible asset to the company and is truly appreciated by everyone. His bright spirit, booming laugh, and very friendly demeanor make everyone feel welcome. Here's to you, Larry! ?

Larry studied at the Pennsylvania School of Culinary Art at YTI Career Institute and worked at various restaurants for ten years. Learn more about his transition out of the restaurant industry and how he found a new career at WebstaurantStore. ?

Why did you decide to transition out of the restaurant industry? ?

Working in the industry was so fulfilling on so many levels. Passion, creativity, social?networking, and team building were highlights on a daily basis. However, the lifestyle of a chef made it?difficult to build a family in the traditional sense. Work-life balance became a priority, and in?seeking other opportunities I was fortunate to find a home at WebstaurantStore.??

How did the pandemic change your day-to-day work??

When Covid struck and employees switched to remote work, WebstaurantStore allowed a transition from feeding the?adults of the company to feeding their children who attend the next-door learning center.??

Man, the joys of feeding the children are unmatched. They make me feel like a rockstar giving non-stop high-fives and fist bumps. Parents compliment the quality of the?food but also joke about the pressures of matching said quality at home.??

What do you enjoy about your role as a corporate chef? ?

The culture of entrepreneurial spirit allowed my passions to continue to shine. With events?like birthday lunches, lunches by Larry, and modeling for photo and video content, my creativity has flourished. The constant?and consistent growth of the company presented countless opportunities to brainstorm, coach, and learn both professionally and personally. Being tasked with the job of building an environment in the?WebCafe that provides nourishment for both mind and body has kept all my technical skills sharp.?

Throughout my time with the company, I really feel I have been able to remain connected with?the culinary world without sacrificing any quality of life. Being a father, husband, and golfer?demands some spare time, and having so much flexibility with my schedule and vacation time I get?to enjoy time away from work with no stress. On top of that, the company also provides a gym that?allows me to maintain my goals physically and mentally.

I say all this to conclude that in this environment of service, entrepreneurship, and growth, I am?proud to be the corporate chef at the nation’s largest restaurant supply company.?

Thank you for all that you do Larry!

Check out our Chef Reacts series on TikTok