Thomas Christopher Kacherski – Owner/Executive Chef

Poughkeepsie, NY—Primarily featured in The Inner Circle, Thomas Christopher Kacherski is acknowledged as a Top Pinnacle Professional for his contributions to the Restaurant Industry.

Mr. Kacherski pursued vocational training at The Culinary Institute of America where he earned an associate’s degree in occupational studies in 2001. He is currently the owner and executive chef of Crew Restaurant and Bar where he leads a team of fellow Culinary Institute of America graduates. In this leadership role, Mr. Kacherski oversees all daily operations of his business from managing his kitchen to handling customer service and meeting with guests. He also volunteers at The Culinary Institute of America as part of its extern program.

With more than 30 years in the field, Mr. Kacherski has received many accolades from both locals and critics due to the casual but modern environment and carefully crafted menu. He explained that each dish is curated from local and organic fare, something Mr. Kacherski prides himself on. He describes the establishment and its food as having an eclectic European atmosphere with Asian and American influences.

Along with his thriving business, Mr. Kacherski also finds particular joy in making pizzas and worked with Pizza & Stuff Restaurant in Beacon, New York, for several years, prior to beginning his own restaurant. He served as the owner of the 96 Main Restaurant, another local establishment, from 2002 to 2007. During the early stages of his career, Mr. Kacherski worked at the Holiday Inn in his community between 1992 and 1993 and with Stanleys Eatery for several more years. Ever committed to his profession, he also remains affiliated with the Society of Fellows at The Culinary Institute of America.

Aside from his professional pursuits, Mr. Kacherski is also a civic leader focused on volunteering with Dutchess Outreach and the Grace Smith House. He notes that he is well-regarded for his practiced expertise and dedication to excellence and has been honored with several accolades over the course of his career. Between 2011 and 2020, he received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence; was rated among the Best Chefs of America in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2017; and was previously inducted into The Chaîne des Rôtísseurs.

When consider his many accomplishments, Mr. Kacherski has attributed much of his success to his time spent at his first restaurant when he was 15 years old, during which time he learned the ins and outs of his industry. Additionally, he is grateful for his disciplined and dedicated work ethic and is particularly proud to have been the commencement speaker at the CIA in 2019. In the coming years, Mr. Kacherski hopes to begin even more new restaurant ventures.

For more information about Mr. Kacherski’s business, please visit tom@crewrestaurant.com.

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