Jay Nartowicz, co-founder of GKO, has experienced an extraordinary career in the restaurant industry as a professional chef. Jay is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. His culinary career has included senior management positions for some of the largest branded chains and restaurants in the United States and United Kingdom. He is a founding Board Member of the Research Chefs Association and has lectured at the University of Houston and University of Illinois. Jay has been recognized and awarded throughout his career for leadership, innovation, speed to market, and team building. Jay was The Director of Food Innovation and Development for Whitbread, plc, in the United Kingdom. As Department Head, his team included culinary, business development, equipment process, and commercial finance for over 43 brands that totaled over 4,200 units.
Before Whitbread, Jay had a similar position in the United Kingdom for Allied Domecq, plc, which originated in the United States with their retail brand. In the United States, Jay has held Senior Culinary Management positions with Walt Disney World, Back Bay Restaurants, Boston Market, TOGO’s, Darden Restaurants, and Griffith Laboratories.
In 2002, Jay started his own company, Nartowicz International Culinary Consulting, LLC. With Jay’s unique experience, skills, and talents, his consulting business has paved the way for growth for multiple restaurants, new concepts, retailers, foodservice suppliers, and manufacturers. Jay has successfully grown his culinary consulting company to be able to assist in launching some of the most popular and recognized menu items for foodservice brands around the globe. Jay lives in Orlando and loves spending time with his family. He is most proud of the personal and professional successes of all his children. Jay loves to prepare family dinners, travel, golf, dine out, and go to the beach with family and friends.