From Passion to Profession: Robbie Curtis’ Culinary Journey with the IHG Academy

Meet Robbie Curtis, a shining example of how passion and determination can lead to a fulfilling career. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Robbie's culinary journey began in 2018, right after he graduated from Glenville High School. His story is not just about cooking; it’s about finding a place where he truly belongs and transforming a childhood passion into a thriving career.

Discovering Culinary Arts

Robbie's love for cooking was nurtured in his childhood, thanks to his grandparents, who introduced him to the kitchen. "I learned how to cook from my grandma and grandpa," he recalls fondly. They not only taught him the basics but also instilled in him a love for creating delicious meals. 

However, it was a visit to an IHG Academy Discover session that ignited his passion for culinary arts in a professional setting. "I really enjoyed observing a chef at an omelette station, to show how he normally runs his kitchen, and explained about his day-to-day work”, Robbie remembers. This experience led him to enrol in the IHG Academy, where he completed six weeks of on-the-job training, immersing himself in the world of professional cooking.

Discovering Culinary Arts

Robbie's love for cooking was nurtured in his childhood, thanks to his grandparents, who introduced him to the kitchen. "I learned how to cook from my grandma and grandpa," he recalls fondly. They not only taught him the basics but also instilled in him a love for creating delicious meals. However, it was a visit to an IHG Academy Discover session that ignited his passion for culinary arts in a professional setting. "I really enjoyed observing a chef at an omelette station, to show how he normally runs his kitchen, and explained about his day-to-day work”, Robbie remembers. This experience led him to enrol in the IHG Academy, where he completed six weeks of on-the-job training, immersing himself in the world of professional cooking.

A Journey of Growth

Starting as a banquet prep cook at the InterContinental Cleveland, Robbie quickly showcased his dedication and eagerness to learn. His initial role involved preparing ingredients and assisting in the kitchen, but he was determined to climb the culinary ladder. "I showed that I had the drive to learn and wanted to work more in the kitchen," Robbie explains. His hard work paid off, and he soon transitioned to a line cook position at the Table 45 Restaurant at the InterContinental Cleveland.

Thriving in the Kitchen

In 2023, Robbie took a brief detour from the hospitality industry, after just two months he returned to the hotel and found himself thriving under the mentorship of Head Chef Ben at the Table 45 Restaurant. The fast-paced environment and the opportunity to work with diverse ingredients reignited his passion for culinary arts. "I’m loving it, I get to experience so many different types of food and apply my creativity to the dishes," Robbie shares with enthusiasm.

His hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed; he was recently promoted to Chef de Partie. In this role, Robbie is responsible for supervising the kitchen staff and ensuring that every dish meets the high standards of the restaurant. This new position allows him to take on more responsibility and further develop his leadership skills, a true example of where IHG gives people #RoomToGrow.

The Challenges of Culinary Life & Outside of the Kitchen

While Robbie loves his job, he acknowledges that the culinary world comes with its challenges. "It can be a real busy day with some of the longest tickets asking for some of the most temperamental food to be done the right way," he admits. The pressure of serving around 200 covers a night can be intense, but Robbie thrives in the hustle and bustle of the kitchen showcasing his ability to handle high-pressure situations.

In his down time, Robbie enjoys hanging out with his friends, playing video games, and working on his truck, a Chevy Colorado. He shared that having a quiet home life allows for him to relax and counteract the busy environment of the kitchen.

Lessons Learned

Robbie's journey is a testament to the importance of following your passion. His advice to anyone considering a similar career path is that "It may start off hard, but once you find your place and pace, it becomes an amazing job,". His story serves as a reminder that sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to greater fulfilment.

Inspirations and Mentorship

Throughout his journey, Robbie has drawn inspiration from various sources. His uncle, who raised him, has been a significant influence, instilling the values of hard work and perseverance. "He always put into words that you have to work for what you want. Don’t expect it to be handed to you," Robbie reflects.

In the culinary world, Chef Omar and Head Chef Ben from the Table 45 restaurant remain pivotal inspirations in Robbie's professional life.

Looking Ahead

As Robbie looks to the future, he aspires to become a head chef in one of IHG's kitchens within the next ten years. With his determination and passion for culinary arts, there’s no doubt he will achieve this goal.

Robbie Curtis's story is not just about cooking; it’s about resilience, growth, and the pursuit of passion. We are proud to have him as part of the IHG family and to see how far he has come since he started his journey with the IHG Academy 7 years ago. We look forward to seeing where his culinary journey takes him next.

If you want to read about another inspiring story about a chef who worked his way to becoming CEO, check out this podcast interview with Keith Barr, IHG's previous CEO and Jack Parsons, from My Duvet Flip.

If you’re interested in learning more about the IHG Academy offerings, including our free learning resources at IHG Academy Skills Builder head over and register at this link.