With over 14 years of experience in the culinary, restaurant and hospitality industry, Chef Matthew Riznyk continues to bring his talent and passion to Great Performances. Born in Westchester, New York, Chef Matthew’s culinary aptitude was influenced at an early age as his family is avid gardeners and skilled home cooks. The culinary bug bit early, and the decision to go into the hospitality industry was a natural progression of his childhood.
Pursuing his craft, Chef Matthew worked at a number of restaurants in Westchester during his youth and then decided to take the next step and graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education, with a degree in Culinary and Hospitality Management.
Upon graduation, Chef Matthew lent his talents to Marriott Hotels on the West Coast. As part of the opening team for the JW Scottsdale, Chef Matthew helped bring to fruition a hotel with 1000 rooms, nine restaurants and over 10,000 square feet of meeting space. This transition into the larger organizations continued when Chef Matthew returned home to New York, where he joined The Myriad Restaurant Group as a back of house operations manager and consultant. There, he managed the group’s restaurants in the city and helped open properties along the east coast.
In 2007, Chef Matthew took on his most exciting culinary and management position yet at Great Performances. Combining his managerial and financial skills with his culinary experience, he navigates the fast-paced kitchen environment while accommodating guests and artists from all over the world in a multitude of venues and events. Daily, Chef Matthew changes menus and dining options to meet the demands of his diverse clientele. Supported by his amazing staff, he produces parties and private events for some of the most high-profile and influential individuals of our times.