Chris Arellanes

Senior VP Culinary

Chef Chris Arellanes is a Michelin-trained culinary executive with over 20 years of experience leading world-class restaurants, luxury hospitality brands, and multi-unit culinary organizations. His career includes formative roles at Eleven Madison Park, The NoMad, and Thomas Keller’s Per Se, as well as senior leadership positions with EDITION Hotels and John Fraser Restaurants.

As Senior Vice President of Culinary for Umami Riot, Chef Chris leads the creative and strategic direction of all culinary programs across the portfolio. He oversees menu research and development, culinary innovation, and execution at scale ensuring each concept reflects a distinct point of view while maintaining operational excellence, financial discipline, and strong kitchen culture. Known for his ability to scale Michelin-level standards without dilution, Chef Chris blends creative rigor, business acumen, and people-first leadership to drive sustainable growth across the organization.