From Garden to Kitchen: Executive Chef Zachery’s Passion for Creating Meaningful Moments

For Executive Chef Zachery Peterson, cooking has always been about more than preparing meals. It’s about bringing people together, inspiring creativity, and creating moments that leave a lasting impression. 

With 18 years of culinary experience, Zachery has built his career by embracing every opportunity to learn, lead, and grow. From washing dishes to serving as an executive chef, regional district chef manager, and leading front of house operations, each role has shaped his perspective and strengthened his passion for the culinary arts. 

Today, Zachery brings that same passion to Broadcom in Mendota Heights, Minnesota, where he leads with creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to helping both his team and guests have the best experience possible. 

Get to know Zachery as he shares the experiences that shaped his culinary journey, what he enjoys most about working at Sodexo, and why creating meaningful moments through food continues to inspire him every day.

What inspired your passion for cooking?

"I have 18 years of culinary expertise and a lifelong passion for food that I bring to every kitchen I lead. My love for cooking began in childhood, helping my grandmother tend to her garden, where I discovered the magic of fresh herbs and vegetables, an experience that shaped my approach to flavor and creativity. I also helped my dad in the kitchen whenever I could, building a curiosity for the skills he learned and perfected on his culinary journey.

Over the years, I have held nearly every position in the restaurant world, from dishwasher to executive chef to regional district chef manager, even dabbling in the front-of-house world as a general manager and regional manager. These experiences gave me a deep understanding of operations while never losing sight of my true calling as a chef. 

Passionate about the culinary arts, I combine creativity, mentorship, and precision in every dish. Outside the kitchen, I enjoy fishing, spending time with my family, traveling, gardening, and exploring history and different cultures, always seeking inspiration for my cooking. A devoted family man, I cherish my wife, six children, two boys and four girls, and our beloved purebred Mastiff puppy. Known for my quiet demeanor, quick learning, and collaborative spirit, I value kindness, respect, and a peaceful, honest approach both in and out of the kitchen."

What do you enjoy most about your role and working at Sodexo? 

“I enjoy the freedom to express not only my creativity and ideas, but my team’s as well, and seeing the ideas we come up with come to life. Upper management is one of the most supportive management teams I have worked with, and I also value the quality of life I have outside of work.

When your work becomes your passion, you stop counting the hours and start counting the lives you touch. I don’t work in food, I get to spend my life creating moments, building people, and doing what I was meant to do.”

What makes you proud of the work you do every day?

“What makes me proud is seeing the smiles from the guests we serve and the feeling I get when I see my team feel involved and supported. The biggest thing would be the culture this industry brings. No matter if it’s the restaurant world or the corporate services world, the culture stays the same!”

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