Chef Michael Leitner knew he wanted to become a chef when he was in middle school. He liked all aspects of the restaurant kitchen, from chopping the vegetables to cleaning the restrooms and taking out the garbage. He says that in order to really appreciate the kitchen, you have to understand all of its working parts.
Since those days of chopping and peeling vegetables, Chef Mike earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Hotel Administration and a culinary arts degree from the Culinary Institute of America—Hyde Park. Chef Mike has had over 20 years of experience in the kitchen and has worked at places such a the Waldorf Astoria and ARAMARK.
Today, Chef Mike is a senior executive chef for ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston and continues to bring excitement and innovation to the kitchen. Chef Mike won a Wow! Ideas award from Yum! Brands Asia and the Merit Award from Campbell’s Soup prior to becoming a part of Lamb Weston.