Meet Executive Chef Jose Arango: A Culinary Journey that Reflects Passion and Professionalism
At Elior Education, our commitment to culinary is brought to life every day by talented chefs who combine creativity, skill, and heart to nourish the students we serve.
We are proud to highlight Executive Chef Jose Arango, whose journey reflects the dedication and craftsmanship that define our culinary culture.
From Michelin-Starred Kitchens to Student Dining
Chef Jose began his career in the prestigious Jean‑Georges restaurant group—refining his craft in iconic kitchens like JoJo, The Mark Restaurant, Nougatine, and the Michelin‑starred Jean‑Georges flagship. His foundation in fine dining shapes the standards he brings to every menu he touches.
Experience at Scale
After years in high-end restaurants, Jose transitioned into large‑scale catering, producing events for 100 to 3,000 guests. That experience strengthened his ability to deliver quality, consistency, and precision—no matter the volume.
Feeding the Next Generation
Chef Jose then brought his expertise to school dining, where he grew a commissary operation from serving 600 to 2,500 fresh, nutritious meals daily. His kitchen operates as a fully integrated production hub—prepping, cooking, packing, and delivering meals one day in advance to ensure freshness and smooth service across six schools including Birch Wathen Lenox School; Poly Prep Lower School; Stephen Gaynor School; The Speyer School; Churchill School and City and Country School.
What Culinary Commitment Looks Like
- Elevated flavors inspired by fine‑dining craft
- Systems that guarantee consistency and quality
- Thoughtful preparation that supports students’ well‑being
- A team driven by passion, precision, and pride
Chef Jose embodies everything we stand for: culinary excellence with purpose!
