Robert Okura has over 25 years of experience in the culinary arts. He has worked within a variety of operations, ranging from large scale catering companies and exclusive members only clubs, to “Silver-Service” fine dining rooms and multi-million dollar 4-star hotel/casino resorts. Bob is an active member of several professional organizations such as the American Culinary Federation, Les Amis d’ Escoffier and the Chaine Des Rotisseurs. He is also a Certified Corporate Executive Chef and an executive officer and founding board member of the International Corporate Chef’s Association.
Bob’s passion, culinary creativity and uncompromising commitment to excellence have allowed him to develop some of the highest food quality standards in the industry. His multi-unit management expertise in a high-growth environment has helped The Cheesecake Factory execute its aggressive expansion plans, without compromising its strict and demanding quality standards.
Bob’s talents have earned him numerous accolades from various segments of the industry, including the Chefs in America Awards Foundation Master of Taste (Maitre Du Gout) Award 2006, the Black Culinarian Alliance “Jefferson Evan’s Achievement Award 2004,” Nation’s Restaurant News “Menu Masters Chef Innovator Award 2003 and Best New Menu Item Award 2002”, Restaurant & Institutions Magazine’s “Choice In Chains Food Quality Award 2002”, Restaurant Business Magazine’s “Menu Strategist 2001 Upscale Dining Award,” The American Tasting Institute’s “National Master Taster Golden Medallion 2001”, The Professional Chefs Association’s “Culinary Excellence and Outstanding Achievement Award 2000” and The American Academy of Restaurant & Hospitality Sciences “Best Chefs In America 1996 Award.”
The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated operates over 120 upscale, casual dining restaurants. Each restaurant offers an extensive menu of more than 200 signature items. Additionally, the company operates their newest dining concept under the Grand Lux Cafeâ at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, the Beverly Center in Los Angeles, and on Michigan Avenue, downtown Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York, and Florida.
