Our Co-operative
E.P.C. (pronounced EPIC) is a collective of entrepreneurial experts who have left their traditional industry working environments to create unforgettable experiences and offer professional services in your home. All our Professionals have been background checked and are fully licensed and insured to perform their personal skills and offerings.
Our Professionals
Healhty Meal Prep & Private Event Chefs
Josh Horning
Private Chef
Chicago, IL
Chef Josh has been in the culinary world as a professional chef for more than 20 years. After seeing it all while working through the professional kitchen circuit in Chicago, he's ready to focus on his own creative integrity while making more time to raise a healthy family at home. Chef Josh specializes in Paleo cooking & other health focused wellness routines. “Food and dining means so much more to me than just ingredients put together by methods in order to make ourselves feel satiated until the next meal. There is so much opportunity to teach and to learn about what we're doing in the kitchen, or where our food is coming from, as well as the company we're surrounding ourselves with. Meal-time is nourishment for our souls as much as it is for our bodies.”
James Bellicchi
Private Chef
Chicago
With over 25 years of culinary experience, Chef James Bellicchi is redefining the art of private dining in Chicago. A graduate of the prestigious New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, VT, James honed his skills in some of New York’s finest establishments, including Gramercy Tavern and AZ Restaurant, where he worked alongside renowned chefs like Tom Colicchio and Patricia Yeo. After a successful career as an executive chef in the corporate world, James is now dedicated to serving thoughtfully prepared, honest food directly to the community. His passion for cooking stems from his upbringing in Boston, where he learned the importance of using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients. Chef James specializes in a variety of cuisines, drawing inspiration from Italian, Japanese, and French culinary traditions. He believes in the beauty of simplicity and creativity, offering everything from intimate family dinners and outdoor barbecues to lavish banquets and throw down parties. His unique background includes training under his mother, a renowned macrobiotic chef, and the esteemed Master Japanese Chef Hiroshi Hayashi. These experiences have equipped him with exceptional knife skills and a deep respect for the culinary arts. Whether preparing exquisite multi-course meals in your home or catering events, Chef James ensures seamless, discreet service and exceptional cuisine that will delight your guests and create unforgettable dining experiences.
LeAnn Rosado
Private Chef
Chicago, IL
I grew up in Arlington Heights, but have lived in Chicago for 25 years. I have 20 plus years in the industry. My very first job was as a host and I continued to work all positions in both the front and back of the house. I first fell in love with cooking while watching and learning in my mom's kitchen. I was classically trained in French cuisine at the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. I have a strong focus in Caribbean, Southeast Asian, Mexican, Cajun, and beyond. I love exploring new cuisines! I love to travel, and eat my way around the world. As a personal chef I enjoy catering to individual needs and continuing to learn. I provide delicious, healthy and fresh meals to my clients each week. I also enjoy catering special events, providing delicious food with impeccable service to create amazing memories.
Jen Anderson
Professional Chef
Greenville, SC
Hailing from Greenville, SC, Jen Anderson has worked in pastry and finer dining. After 13 years in the restaurant industry, Jen decided to turn her attention towards bringing her expertise straight to your home. Her travels have greatly inspired her cooking, which pulls from Italian, French, and Scandinavian cuisines. Some of Jen’s favorite dining experiences include fresh oysters in Rhode Island, artichokes and cacio de pepe in Rome, and warm croissants from a bakery in the bottom floor of a finance building in Manhattan. These experiences directly influence her cooking, which consists of simple yet elegant dishes focused on local vegetables, handmade pasta, and good bread. Jen attended college and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Art and Interior Design, which heavily influenced her career as a chef, as well as her personal hobbies, such as photography, writing, and graphic design. EPC has given Jen the freedom and flexibility to attend to one of her favorite parts of hospitality: the people. The ability to personally care for guests and make the experience memorable is a passion project all its own.
Sebastian White
Professional Chef
Chicago, IL
Sebastian White is a trained psychotherapist and self-taught chef who worked with youth who were gang-involved, labeled “at-risk”, and struggling with the complexities of life. His work took a personal turn after the unexpected deaths of his aunt, Gwen Barjon, and his father, William White, Jr. In their honor, he founded The Evolved Network, NFP and established Evolved Kitchen and Garden, LLC. From being nationally recognized by acclaimed Chef Paul Kahan through his nomination for “Chef to Watch” in 2024 by Insidehook Magazine to being featured in Mariano’s Chicago Chefs Cookbook, a recognized Mariano’s tastemaker in Chicago Magazine, and most recently named one of the six best Private Chefs in Chicago by Modern Luxury and Chicago Social Magazine, Sebastian’s culinary momentum continues to grow. Sebastian seeks to inspire youth through food and use its lessons to heal. He believes that the lessons of culinary arts, gardening, and financial literacy offer transformative and transcending insights and growth when explored thoughtfully and critically. Tactile experiences like cooking and gardening teach youth essential life skills such as patience, responsibility, teamwork, and caring for one another. These activities empower, nourish, and draw out the uniqueness in young people by giving experiential access to choice in all its possibilities.
Eric Weiss
Professional Chef
Chicago, IL
Chef Eric grew up in Oak Park, IL where his excitement for cooking started in his Mom’s kitchen. He saw the joy it brought his family and friends to have home cooked meals every night and at special events. He knew he wanted to be a Chef to bring that same joy to others. Chef Eric has over 10 years experience in the hospitality industry. After earning his associates degree in culinary arts he worked alongside multiple James Beard nominated Chefs throughout the midwest. Since returning to Chicago he has served as Sous Chef at Dove’s Luncheonette and lead cook at the Google Food Program. Chef Eric enjoys creating food that brings people together, inspires conversation, and builds memories. When he is not in the kitchen Chef Eric enjoys working out and going camping with his family.
Rick Paniagua
Professional Chef
Chicago, IL
Chef Rick Paniagua has over 20 years experience in the culinary industry. From cooking for celebrities and living in 7 countries, overseeing Lollapalooza operations, Chef for the Chicago Cubs team during their historic 2016 run (ask to see his World Series ring) as well as working in Michelin rated restaurants throughout his career, he has seen and done it all. He is now ready to make sure that your next event is the best that it can be! “EPC isn’t just a brand, and a chef coat to your home, it is an experience! I love introducing new clients to our rockstar family, we only give the best because you EXPECT the best! I’m proud to be a member of Elite Personal Chefs.”
Matthew Cook
Professional Chef
Chicago, IL
Chef Matthew was born in Chicago and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where his love for food was inspired by his father's passion for cooking. He is a dedicated culinarian with experience in multiple Michelin-starred restaurants across the U.S., including The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia, where he worked under the legendary Patrick O'Connell, and Ever in Chicago under Curtis Duffy. He earned his culinary arts degree from the Secchia Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has since brought his talents and passion to the private chef world, providing exceptional experiences through private events, in-home cooking, and exclusive dinners.
Jonathan Moreira
Private Chef
Chicago, IL
Chef Jonathan brings 18 years of professional cooking experience in restaurants, hotels, and catering companies on both the East Coast and in the Midwest. The youngest of four, born to Italian and Portuguese parents who met working at the Ritz-Carlton Boston, Jonathan grew up in the world of hospitality. His passion for food and cooking was sparked in a high school culinary arts class, and furthermore, on a trip to Le Cordon Bleu in London. Eventually, it led him to Johnson & Wales University, where he studied Food and Beverage Management. In 2016, Jonathan moved to Chicago to help open Duck Duck Goat, where he remained with Chef Stephanie Izard and Boka Restaurant Group for over seven years. After a brief hiatus from restaurant life, he worked with Boka Catering Group and Ambrosia Foods in the summer of '24. Now, he's pursuing a lifelong dream of working for private clients. Ready to showcase his creativity, passion, and versatility in cooking and hospitality, Jonathan is excited to be apart of EPC.
Rachel Tumerman
Director of Sales & Client Aquisition, Professional Chef
Chicago, IL
Having almost 25 years of professional chef experience, Rachel has dedicated her career to learning and exploring as many global and regional cuisines as possible. From traditional European techniques, Middle Eastern, North African, Central and South American, Southeast Asian, Korean, and beyond, it has been her mission to proficiently cook (and eat) her way around the world. Starting to work in restaurants at 15 years old, she quickly learned her passion for connecting with people through food. After attending UW Madison with a focus on International Relations and Foreign Language, she went directly on to San Francisco to graduate from the California Culinary Academy in order to round out her training. From there she traveled the country and globe working as Executive Chef, Culinary Director, Chef Consultant, and Private Chef for a multitude of concepts and clients ranging from high-end fine dining, cocktail bars, cafes, large catering operations, Michelin star restaurants, family run neighborhood eateries, celebrities, and in-home family clientele.
Pastry Chefs; Custom Breads, Bakery Items & Sweet Treats
Culinary & Beverage Brand Concepts
Brittany Jones, MS, RD, LD
Registered Dietitian
Greenville, SC
Brittany Jones, MS, RD, LD, is a Registered Dietitian, CEO, and working mom who brings a refreshing, real-life approach to nutrition. With over 12 years of experience, she is passionate about helping people foster a positive relationship with food through a non-diet approach that prioritizes nourishment, balance, and joy. As the founder of Brittany Jones Nutrition Group, she leads a team dedicated to making healthful eating accessible and realistic for busy individuals. Brittany believes that meals should be both nourishing and fuss-free, offering expert guidance in meal planning and sustainable nutrition through her Real Life Nutrition Membership. She understands the emotional complexities tied to food and body image and provides compassionate, evidence-based support to help clients break free from diet culture. Through her practice, speaking engagements, and online platform, she empowers individuals to embrace food and self-care without guilt. Her approach isn’t just about what you eat—it’s about how food fits into your life. Brittany lives in Greenville, SC, with her husband, son, and their Siberian cat, Callie.
Graze N Gather
Custom Charcuterie Experience
Greenville, SC
Founder and Greenville native, Gracen, envisioned a way to transform everyday gatherings into extraordinary experiences. Inspired by the communal joy of sharing good food and the artful display of gourmet treats, Graze N Gather was born. The idea was simple yet ambitious: to offer more than just food, but a complete sensory experience that blends taste, visual aesthetic, and personal connection.
Root to Rise GVL
Upscale Eats
Greenville, SC
Root to Rise is a Greenville based duo aiming to provide fresh. healthy, and elevated meals. Their primary services include healthy meal prep, event catering, and private in-home dinners. Behind the Duo: Chef Ryan Dunn and Jennifer Cimino have over two decades of culinary and front of house experience between them.
Certified Sommelier, Wine, Beverage & Beverage Services
Jean Tomaro
Co-CEO, Corporate Beverage Director, Certified Sommelier
Greenville, SC
Jean Tomaro is passionate & knowledgeable on all beverages – from wine to cocktails to coffee, all libations fall under her professional umbrella. She is a Certified Sommelier and Corporate Beverage Consultant for wine & beer programs, cocktail menus, coffee shops, beverage education & bar design. Her approach to hospitality is focused on knowledge and sincerity with a fun, welcoming style. She strongly believes that beverage programs should be exciting, approachable, quality driven & profitable. Jean began her professional career under the tutelage of Master Sommelier Doug Marello and Sue Kim-Drohomyrecky of Spring Restaurant. She went on to become an Assistant Sommelier at the 3 Michelin star restaurant L2O and currently serves as the Senior Executive Beverage Director of Hogsalt - a hospitality brand with unique concepts in Chicago, New York, Las Vegas & Paris. She has been working in hospitality & restaurants for 20 years.
Amy Yancey
Certified Sommelier
Upstate, South Carolina
Born and raised in Greenville, SC. Amy began working in restaurants when she was 15. She spent her early 20s working in Chicago for Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group where she studied and became a certified Sommelier. She returned to her hometown in 2019 and became the Wine Director for Halls Chophouse Greenville. Amy has a degenerative eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa that has slowly impaired her vision over time. After grappling with and accepting her vision loss, she created her own company called Pocket Somm, and ventured out on her own. Pocket Somm is a personal Sommelier company at your fingertips. It offers services such as a wine program consulting, personal wine procurement, and private wine education. Amy has a retail wine program inside of the Greenville Beer Exchange and hosts private wine tastings there as well as in-home. She is currently working on opening a personal wine storage and communal space called Wine Blind Cellar near Downtown, Greenville.
Cardell Brown
Chef de Cuisine
Chicago, IL
Chef Dell brings a passion for culinary, beverage, Mexican Creole fusion and a dedication to creating memorable dining experiences. With over ten years of culinary and beverage experience, Chef Dell honed his skills at Kendall College for the Culinary Arts and Beverage Management before embarking on a journey through kitchens and breweries around Chicago. Humble beginnings at beloved Michelin star restaurant Moto, Chef Dell also spent time at Boka Restaurant Group, Old Irving Brewing Company, Half Acre Beer Co., and the acclaimed restaurant Brasero. Throughout his career, Chef Dell has been privileged to work alongside some of the most respected chefs and brewers in the industry, learning innovative techniques and perfecting their craft. Their culinary philosophy centers around creativity, finesse and techniques ensuring each dish is fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. Whether it's creating bold flavors with traditional elements or exploring modern twists on classic dishes, Chef Dell strives to make every meal an experience that resonates with guests. At EPC Chef Dell combines years of experience with a deep love for hospitality, curating a menu that reflects both their heritage and their creative exploration in the kitchen. Guests can expect a warm atmosphere, innovative, and a unique culinary journey that celebrates bringing people together over a well prepared dish!
Jon Richards
Certified Cicerone
Greenville, SC
Jon aka "Big Jon" lives in Greenville, South Carolina where he has worked for the last 18 years, working in and watching the craft beer scene take hold and grow. He got his first job in foodservice at 14 years old and has been active in the hospitality industry ever since. He has over 30 years of experience at every level in a restaurant, in both front and back of house, but he has fine tuned his focus in the business to beer since returning to Greenville in 2007. Big Jon is a Certified Cicerone and is recognized as one of the pre-eminent beer experts in South Carolina. He has organized and hosted dozens of beer dinners at restaurants and venues across the upstate, and he is the co-host of the beer2whiskey podcast. He has helped open multiple restaurants and craft beer bars in the upstate, and he now teaches beer and hosts beer-centric events all across South Carolina.
Sanitation Licensing & Consulting Chefs, Restaurants, & Entreprenuers
Austin Yancey, CEC, CCE, PCEC
CEO, Founder, Corporate Executive Chef
Serving the Upstate of South Carolina ----- e. chefaustin@elitepersonalchefs.com ----- p. 864-430-0925
Chef Austin Yancey grew up in South Carolina where he first discovered a passion for cooking in his grandmother’s kitchen. Working in restaurants throughout high school, he fell in love with the industry and decided to move to Chicago and pursue a career in culinary arts. Chef Austin spent years training as a competitive cook while also working in various kitchens before landing his dream job at world renowned Alinea, a 3-Star Michelin restaurant in Chicago. After leaving Alinea, Chef Austin joined the Culinary Instructor team at Le Cordon Bleu and created the schools first competition cooking club. Now as the CEO and Founder of EPC, he is on a mission to teach hospitality professionals how to create long term success; independently. Reach out at chefaustin@elitepersonalchefs.com or call 864-430-0925. Looking forward to you hearing from you! -Chef Austin
Jean Tomaro
Co-CEO, Corporate Beverage Director, Certified Sommelier
Greenville, SC
Jean Tomaro is passionate & knowledgeable on all beverages – from wine to cocktails to coffee, all libations fall under her professional umbrella. She is a Certified Sommelier and Corporate Beverage Consultant for wine & beer programs, cocktail menus, coffee shops, beverage education & bar design. Her approach to hospitality is focused on knowledge and sincerity with a fun, welcoming style. She strongly believes that beverage programs should be exciting, approachable, quality driven & profitable. Jean began her professional career under the tutelage of Master Sommelier Doug Marello and Sue Kim-Drohomyrecky of Spring Restaurant. She went on to become an Assistant Sommelier at the 3 Michelin star restaurant L2O and currently serves as the Senior Executive Beverage Director of Hogsalt - a hospitality brand with unique concepts in Chicago, New York, Las Vegas & Paris. She has been working in hospitality & restaurants for 20 years.