With more than 40 years of experience, Chris LaRocca is a veteran restaurateur and celebrated innovator. Opening, developing and managing restaurants is nothing new for Chris: he has been hugely successful with his own concepts and instrumental in the growth of many well-known restaurant brands.

Chris’s experience owning and operating his own restaurants, plus his experience with larger brands like RomaCorp, Inc. has given him unique insights into what independent operators need to succeed, which is why in 2005 he created the Culinary Architects Advantage Program: a unique buying program that helps independent restaurants compete with larger chains.

Currently, Chris is at the helm of his newest venture, Crushed Red, a fast-casual chopped salad and pizza restaurant. The award-winning concept has been a tremendous hit with multiple company owned stores and franchise locations opening at an exciting pace.

Despite his success, Chris is not content to rest on his laurels.Not a day that passes when he isn’t working on the developmentof a restaurant. This is especially true with Culinary Architects: a unique, full service restaurant development and management company that specializes in partnering with aspiring restaurant owners and businesses. Founded in 2005, Culinary Architects has launched and rebranded numerous successful restaurants in the Midwest and East Coast.