Leadership in Action: Brad Crites, Corporate Chef

At The Carriages, leadership shows up in many different ways. Sometimes, it’s in the decisions made behind the scenes. Other times, it can be seen — and tasted — in the experiences residents enjoy every day.

For Corporate Chef Brad Crites, leadership begins in the kitchen.

More Than 20 Years of Culinary Experience

Brad brings more than 20 years of experience as a corporate chef, with a career spanning both fine dining and senior living. That combination has given him a unique perspective on what makes a dining experience memorable.

While great food is always important, Brad understands that dining in a senior living community goes far beyond what is served on the plate. Meals are part of the daily rhythm of life. They create opportunities for residents to gather, connect and enjoy something familiar or discover something new. That understanding helps guide Brad’s approach across The Carriages communities.

Creating Meals Residents Look Forward To

Brad is passionate about developing menus that strike the right balance between flavor, variety and nutrition. His focus is on creating meals that residents genuinely enjoy while maintaining the quality and consistency they expect. From thoughtful menu planning to exceptional presentation, every detail contributes to the overall dining experience.

Food presentation is especially important to Brad because he knows the experience begins before the first bite. A beautifully prepared plate can make an everyday meal feel special and help create moments residents look forward to.

Leading Through Service

Brad’s role extends well beyond developing recipes and menus. As Corporate Chef, he also provides leadership and direction to culinary teams throughout The Carriages communities. He encourages his teams to approach dining with a service-first mindset, recognizing that hospitality is just as important as the food itself.

That means paying attention to the details, listening to residents and creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and cared for.

By setting that standard, Brad helps his teams understand that every interaction matters.

Supporting Quality Across The Carriages

Consistency is an important part of Brad’s leadership. While each Carriages community has its own residents, team members and personality, the commitment to providing an exceptional dining experience remains the same.

Brad works alongside culinary teams to help maintain high standards while encouraging creativity and continuous improvement. His experience allows him to serve as both a resource and a leader, helping teams navigate everything from menu development and presentation to service and overall resident satisfaction.

Leadership That Can Be Experienced

For Brad, leadership is reflected in the experiences created around the table.

Through his passion for flavorful food, thoughtful presentation and service-focused leadership, he helps ensure dining remains an important and enjoyable part of life at The Carriages. His work is another example of how strong leadership can make a meaningful difference in the everyday experiences of residents — one meal, one gathering and one carefully prepared plate at a time.