Culinary Institute of America Adds Restaurateur Spike Mendelsohn to Board

Event summary

  • Chef Spike Mendelsohn, a 2005 CIA graduate, appointed to the Culinary Institute of America's Board of Trustees on February 5, 2026.
  • Mendelsohn is a restaurateur, culinary consultant, and food policy advocate with nearly three decades of industry experience.
  • He currently operates multiple restaurants, including We, The Pizza, Béarnaise, Santa Rosa Taqueria, and PLNT Burger, and is expanding We, The Pizza through franchising.
  • Mendelsohn is also a co-founder of Just Ice Tea and has been involved in food policy advocacy and media.

The big picture

The appointment of Spike Mendelsohn to the CIA's Board of Trustees brings a blend of operational expertise and advocacy to the institution. His background in restaurants, consumer goods, and food policy aligns with the CIA's mission to develop leaders in food, beverage, and hospitality. The move underscores the growing intersection of culinary education and real-world industry challenges, particularly in sustainability and food equity.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
How Mendelsohn's industry experience and advocacy will shape CIA's strategic direction and educational focus.
Market Expansion
The pace at which Mendelsohn's franchising efforts with We, The Pizza will impact his influence and the CIA's reputation.
Industry Trends
Whether Mendelsohn's focus on sustainability and food equity will drive broader industry shifts through the CIA's platform.