SDA Member Chat with Chef Mark Davies

Complimentary SDA Member Chat

Building Culinary Ownership

How do you give cooks the freedom to create while maintaining quality, consistency and cost control?

Join Harris Ader for a live conversation with Mark Davies, Executive Chef at Cypress Glen and a 2026 Executive Chef of the Year.

Mark’s culinary journey has included serving as a chef aboard a nuclear submarine, graduating from Johnson & Wales University and competing nationally as a pitmaster. At Cypress Glen, he has used those experiences to develop a disciplined, creative and team-focused kitchen culture.

Mark will discuss mentoring without micromanaging, turning resident requests into successful menu items and using the Daily Chef Special to empower cooks, reduce waste and providing greater variety. He will also share how his team maintained high standards after moving into a smaller modular kitchen located across campus during a major expansion.

Attendees can participate through live polls and audience Q&A.