News & Events

At just 27, ACI alumnus David Brito is the executive chef at Geordie’s at the Wrigley Mansion, bringing a vibrant fusion of heritage and haute cuisine to Phoenix. A former student at Cesar Chavez High School, Chef Brito's culinary spark was ignited by television chefs and his uncle's camaraderie in chain restaurants. After graduating from ACI

read more

Happy Halloween everybody! If you stay in this whole-crazy-cooking business long enough, I hope you get to experience this next thing I’m going to talk about. One of the greatest feelings in this business is watching someone that worked under you, someone you trained, going on to do great things.  I know as an instructor I

read more

At ACI, we train students to bring ambition and creativity to Phoenix's dynamic dining scene. That spirit shines at hot new Mexican spot Chilte, recently named one of Bon Appétit's Best New Restaurants of 2023. Helmed by former NFL player ACI alum Chef Lawrence Smith, Chilte brings lively pastels and adventurous tacos to a retro motel

read more

What’s up, ACI family? I wanted to talk a little bit today about the importance of liking your job. I know this one is tough because sometimes we need to take the job that’s available, even if it’s not our dream job, because, at the end of the day, we have bills, obligations, and responsibilities. But,

read more

Hello, and Happy Summer, everyone! I hope this newsletter finds you well. The topic of this installment is travel, learning, and trying new things. I can’t speak for everyone, but as someone who has been in the hospitality industry since 14 years old, I am still so excited for the opportunity to learn and try new

read more

At ACI, we set students up for success at Arizona’s top resorts and restaurants. That foundation shines at Scottsdale’s legendary Valley Ho hotel, where ACI alum Executive Chef Russell LaCasce crafts seasonal delights at the landmark property. Chef LaCasce graduated from ACI in 2005 before working his way up renowned local kitchens. Now he leads Valley

read more

At ACI, we empower graduates to follow their culinary passions wherever they lead. For sisters Melissa and Samantha Sorelle, that meant launching artisanal bakery pop-up Sorelle, bringing a taste of nostalgia to Phoenix farmers markets and pop-ups. Melissa graduated from ACI in 2017 before honing her skills with acclaimed local chefs like Kevin Binkley. Now she

read more

At ACI, we empower students like Justin Pioche to celebrate their heritage through food. Chef Pioche, ACI class of 2014, garnered 2022 James Beard Award recognition for his Navajo-inspired catering and pop-ups. His Pioche Food Group pays homage to Navajo culture and ingredients across the Four Corners region. It's a long way from ACI externships, but

read more

One of the first things I did before I opened the doors to my restaurant was RESEARCH. Of course, that included the standard go-to’s of demographics, competition, foot traffic, etc., but I also researched the local growers and producers in the area. Why? Well, one of the big trends in culinary over the last several years

read more

Hello to everyone reading this! I hope you are well. Every year around this time, I feel compelled to send out my annual, “please take care of yourselves while you are working in kitchens in Arizona in the summer” message. We all know that even in air conditioned kitchens in Arizona, it’s still gonna be hot,

read more