by Amanda Noll
Amanda from Drexel Business Services recently met with Drexel Campus Dining’s Senior Executive Chef Peter Grello to learn more about his passion for serving students.
Q: When did you start working for Aramark at Drexel, and what do you currently do here?
A: I started at Drexel (and Aramark) in May 2022. I held numerous positions in my 25+ years of culinary experience, including sous chef, executive sous chef, executive chef, and food and beverage director. Before joining Aramark, I worked for Compass Group, Hyatt, Hilton and Wyndham. As Senior Executive Chef of Drexel Campus Dining, my team and I are responsible for the dining program's overall success, including student satisfaction.
Q: What inspired you to become a chef, and how do you find inspiration for your dishes?
A: When I was in school, my mother returned to work, and I started to help the family by preparing dinner when I got home. My family also has been in the culinary field for a while. My uncle was the Executive Chef of the historic Bellevue Stratford Hotel in Center City, and my grandfather was an executive chef for a small private restaurant group in Virginia. My heritage is Italian and Hungarian, and I like to use my Italian upbringing for culinary inspiration. My ancestors are from Naples, but I prefer the lighter fare from Capri!
Q: Can you describe your interaction with Drexel students this fall?
A: I enjoy meeting the students! I like to learn where they are from and what they have to say about their home. Everyone gets a smile when they talk about their home. I am very family oriented, too!
Q: What do you want students to take away from their dining experience at Drexel?
A: I want Drexel students to enjoy their time in our dining rooms. Dining should be an experience. It’s not just about the food; the experience is all about spending time with friends, getting to know our culinary team members, and just taking a moment to relax.
Q: Is there anything you would like the University community to know about you or your team?
A: We have a very talented group of culinarians who come from all different work and life experiences, but we all care very much about the students. We do our best to serve a good quality meal and hope our faces become familiar as the term goes on.
It's clear that Chef Peter Grello is passionate about his work and is determined to make Drexel student lives better through food.
If you want to share feedback with the Drexel Campus Dining culinary team, you may speak with any team member, ask for a chef, or share feedback directly through the Your Voice Counts Survey.