Background

Karl started out in the food industry working for his father’s business, the Haledon Pork Store, at 12 years old. His father taught him the tricks of the trade. He was taught the skills needed to be a butcher, how each product was made, how to run a business and more! He saw the successful business his father had and strived to create something like that for himself in the food industry.

At 16 Karl started working for The Market Basket in Wyckoff, New Jersey making the salads in the kitchen. After graduating high school, he attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. Karl has experience in all realms of the food industry including working in the hotel cooking industry, French restaurants, and even being the pastry chef at La Petite Auberge. After Karl gained more knowledge, he opened his own business that followed in his father’s footsteps – a pork store located in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey. “I was born with a cleaver in my hand,” Karl says. He enjoys working in our commissary kitchen making our homemade sausages, wursts, hot dogs, smoked hams, turkeys and more! Karl is now the head wurstmacher for us here at The Market Basket and has been with us for the last 5 years.

Expertise

Karl enjoys being creative in all aspects of life whether that be cooking in the kitchen, making a painting, or playing guitar in his band – “Jamming with the Butcher.” “People often call me the renaissance man,” says Karl. “I can paint a landscape, play guitar or make you some homemade liverwurst.” Karl loves using his creative side as head wurstmacher to make new and delicious products for our customers to try.

Karl is known for his “Ungerdogs” as he calls them – our homemade pork and beef hot-dogs he makes fresh in our commissary kitchen. “Everyone says they always have a hunger for the Unger,” he says. Karl is also known for making our “TV Snacks” – small smoked sausages that are great for snacking, and our homemade Hungarian kielbasa as well.

Favorite Part Working at Market Basket

“Having creative freedom in the kitchen is one of my favorite parts about working at The Market Basket,” says Karl. “We truly have a family here. I enjoy the comradery. You will find lifelong workers here that truly care about what they do. Everyone tries to work together to achieve our goals and we have fun while doing it too!”

Background

“Cooking is my passion,” Jorge says. “I love food, I love cooking for people and watching them smile as they try my dishes.” Jorge was born in Providence Rhode Island close to Johnson and Whales University where as a child his mother took him to watch the culinary students cook. Ever since then he says he was intrigued.

Expertise

Jorge has a lifetime of experience working in the kitchen. Starting at age 13 Jorge worked as a baker’s assistant which sparked his career in the food industry. Jorge attended the Culinary Academy of New York. After he graduated, Jorge began an internship at Vong by chef Jean George where he was introduced to French Thai fusion cooking. He then moved on to work for a company that catered private planes while also working private events for our catering team. He found his home here at the Market Basket and enjoys showing customers his cooking knowledge and skills.

Jorge is known for his pepper steak dish you can find right in our store! He also is known for his various variations of Osso Bucco.

Favorite Part Working at Market Basket

His favorite part about working at the Market Basket is that he has the freedom to create many different dishes and experiment in various aspects of cooking. With his expertise and passion for food, you can always find Jorge in the kitchen making something new and delicious for customers to try!

Background

Kevin attended the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. He loved attending culinary school and found his home here at The Market Basket after graduating. He has been with our Market Basket family for 24 years.

Expertise

Kevin started out in high school working in the kitchen at a local luncheonette. From there he started working catering events after hours. He found a love for watching cooking shows, reading cookbooks and being active in the kitchen. The more experience he gained in the kitchen, the more he found a love for the industry. Kevin found a passion for cooking and enjoys experimenting with different dishes. From baking cookies, to cooking for the holidays or making meals for his family – Kevin takes pride in all he does as a chef.

Favorite Part Working at Market Basket

Kevin says his favorite part about working at The Market Basket is the family he has created here. “The most important part about working here is the people,” he says. He enjoys having fun in the kitchen and sharing his culinary expertise with those around him.

Background

Ryan got his associates degree in hotel and restaurant management from Bergen Community College in 1999. After graduating, his passion for cooking grew and he went on to attend the prestigious Culinary Institute of America and graduated in 2001. From there he went on to work at local restaurants in the Bergen County area and later found his home here at The Market Basket. He has been a part of The Market Basket family for over 16 years.

Expertise

Ryan started working in a kitchen at only 16 years old. He saw cooking as an outlet and enjoyed seeing what doors the industry could open in his career. “This is not your normal 9-5 job,” he says. “Everyone here truly cares and works hard to help better the business and put their best foot forward to create a positive experience for our customers.”

Curating simple yet delicious dishes is Ryan’s specialty. Some of his favorite dishes to make include short ribs, Osso Bucco and his homemade risotto.

Favorite Part Working at Market Basket

Ryan’s favorite part about working at The Market Basket is cooking at catering parties and events. He enjoys curating the ultimate customer experience and loves to see people enjoy his culinary creations. He enjoys spending time with people and working together with the other chefs in the kitchen as a team to make your event unforgettable.