Credentials & Certifications

AOS in Culinary Arts, The New England Culinary Institute

Certified Food Manager, ServSafe

Certified Instructor and Registered Proctor, ServSafe

World Culinary Olympic Silver Medalist

Prior to joining the Food & Nutrition team at Canyon Ranch, Pete spent decades mastering his culinary craft. He's served as the executive chef of major casinos in Las Vegas, managed 22 kitchens that fed 16,000-20,000 customers a day, and was the opening executive chef for the Horseshoe Casino in Cincinnati.

As a former private chef for clients battling diseases like lung cancer, diabetes, vitiligo, and leukemia – and following the loss of his mother to ovarian cancer – Pete became passionate about using food as medicine to prevent and combat illness. Committed to making a difference, he founded Team Cooking for a Cure to support medical research through the National Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Chef Pete’s notable impact on Canyon Ranch includes opening Truth & Tonic Wellness Café, the first fully vegan restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip, in 2020. That same year, Canyon Ranch Grill earned the title "Best Healthy Restaurant in Nevada" from Eat This, Not That. Inevitably, his influence also extends to the media, with his most recent appearance on Food Network's Guys Grocery Games.

Beyond the kitchen, Pete leads an active life. He's often found at the gym, spending quality time with his daughter, mentoring students, supporting environmental initiatives with Green Our Planet, serving on the Culinary Council for Three Square Food Ban, and formerly acting as the Chairman for Flavors for Life.

"You can always find a million excuses for why you can't make a healthy change, but all you really need to focus on is one reason why you should," advises Pete. "That one reason can enhance the quality and happiness of your life — one meal at a time."