About Us
Sri Divel | PRINCIPAL
With more than two decades of diverse and meaningful experience in the hospitality industry,
Sri Divel has enjoyed a truly elaborate career encompassing all aspects of food and beverage space. She began as a classically trained chef, graduating from the celebrated Art Institutes of California, and has achieved a Level One Sommelier rank with the Court of Master Sommeliers. Her passion is telling the tale of Food Experiences that are a true labor of love for the teams that envision and create them.
Sri was one of the original Food and Beverage trainers for the prestigious Montage Hotel in Laguna Beach, CA, where, under the Departmental Trainers leadership, the hotel was awarded for the first time, the coveted Mobil 5 star recognition. She also became an integral part of the opening team for Montage, Beverly Hills.
Sri Divel then transitioned to be the Vice President & Operating Partner at Salt Creek Grille,
with an emphasis on Training, Branding in addition to Sales and Marketing. She has worked with Top 100 Fast Casual Brands such as Pokeworks + Nekter Juice Bar, as well as served on the Board of Directors for Pokeworks and Hook & Hand Rum. The portfolio
of restaurant brands she continues to work with are Salt Creek Grille, Mama’s Craft Food & Cocktails,
Dos Amigos, Pickled Monk, Tavern House Kitchen + Bar and Tavern at the Mission. She currently serves as a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier,
a group of industry women who empower and give back to the culinary industry through
leadership, mentorship and education.
creating The Culinary CMO
The Culinary CMO was created after 20 years of operating and owning restaurants ourselves. Empowered with a true, profound passion for all things hospitality, we recognized a need within the industry as the many, ever-changing media platforms emerged and multiplied. We saw owners/operators and their constant struggles to create meaningful content, constant engagement and brand awareness while maintaining the many aspects needed to open the doors to serve their treasured guests. The marketing and exposure needed to be created from a group who knew the industry inside and out. A company who understood the process, the creativity, the communication and the effort it takes to open those doors every day. That is why the Culinary CMO was created.