Great Food. Powered by Robotics
At RoboChef, we are a team of accomplished technology executives, veteran software & hardware engineers, and food service owners/operators with decades of hands-on food service experience. We come from varied backgrounds but are collectively working toward building a technology solution that will redefine the restaurant industry. Our food service cost, labor, efficiency, and food safety solution are more advanced and capable than any product on the market. Our goal is to transform the way manufacturers, food service firms, and restaurants consistently delight their customers.
Mission
At RoboChef, we are on a mission to redefine food service by delivering unprecedented levels of efficiency, consistency, unit economics, and convenience to preparation and delivery of food by leveraging robotics.
Vision
RoboChef is an innovator in the food service automation arena. Our goal is to develop intelligent automation systems that allow food service operators to leverage the precision, consistency, and efficiency of robotics to automate their food – from the way they are made, to the way they are served. We configure our technology to meet the needs of restaurants, commercial food service, grocery, and CPG brands who wish to be on the leading edge of the food tech wave, meeting and delighting the consumer where they are, when they want.
As part of our strategic vision, RoboChef will become the thought, design, and market leader in end-to-end food service automation. Our operational knowledge and key partnerships with food service partners will facilitate our leadership in this space while enabling our partners to accelerate their journey into the future of food service.
Team
Aravind Durai
RoboChef was founded by Aravind Durai, an accomplished executive with expertise in robotics and a track record of implementing sophisticated automation systems across multiple industries for Global 500 and startup companies. Previously, he was the head of engineering for a HDS Global responsible for developing an automated robotic warehouse. He holds multiple automation patents of products featured in renowned magazines. He holds an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from Kellogg School of Management.
Aravind is responsible for setting RoboChef’s vision and pursuing actions to accomplish it.
Justin Harkey
Justin is a proven revenue driver for world-class brands with over 20 years of leadership experience in the food equipment and hospitality industries. He previously led Illinois Tool Works' $700 million sales organization, achieving 20% year-over-year growth, served as VP of Key Account Sales at RATIONAL AG, managing $100 million in revenue and exceeding growth targets by 7% and was Dir of Food & Bev at IHG spearheading implementation of the company's largest food initiative, a breakfast refresh at 2,300 locations. Justin has a B.S. in Business Management from Western Governors University.
Justin is responsible for sales and customer success initiatives.
Marcus Petre
Marcus is an expert designer and builder of complex electromechanical systems. He was with a leading global automation company where he vastly improved the speed and quality of their motion systems by utilizing his expertise in design for manufacturability & assembly, root cause analysis, and precision equipment engineering. Marcus has a B.S. in Engineering Physics from University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign.
Marcus is responsible for designing and fabricating electromechanical systems.
David Fairchild
David is an automation expert with 8+ years of industry experience and deep expertise in control systems and mechatronics. David has commissioned hundreds of complex automation systems leveraging technologies such as Motion Control, Machine Vision, IIoT, and Linux/Embedded/PLC Programming. David has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Northern Illinois University.
David is responsible for robotics and automation controls software development.
Bill Post
Bill is an industry veteran of nearly 40 years and his executive profile spans a wide spectrum in diverse and world-recognized landmark locations, including managing, operating, supervising and leading the concept creation, executive management, team development, and opening of over two hundred uniquely different concepts while in Presidential roles at The Levy Restaurants, Restaurant Associates and as Founder and CEO of Roti Mediterranean Grill.
Bill advises on all areas pertaining to the food service industry.
Sedhu Krishnamurthy
Sedhu is a Business and Technology executive at Microsoft where he currently leads the Data and Artificial Intelligence business for US Retail and Consumer Goods vertical. His primary focus is delivering business outcomes for customers harnessing the power of data, artificial intelligence and cloud. His business approach combines the velocity of the startup with the structure of big firm to drive predictable, immediate results. He has an M.S. in Computer Science and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.
Sedhu guides in the areas of Digital Transformation, Partnerships, Culture and Enterprise Selling.
Chef Dan Bocik
Often referred to as the "The gnocchi king of Chicago", Dan is a classically trained Italian Chef and a regional celebrity. He is the owner of the iconic Chicago fine-dining restaurant - A Tavola. Dan also has deep insights and expertise in using technology to help restaurant owners dramatically improve their menu profitability.
Dan advises on BD and culinary techniques that allow our system to scale rapidly while maintaining food safety and quality.
Tom Kunkel
Tom Kunkel brings over 20 years of experience in robots & automation. He's passionate about leveraging automation to revolutionize workflows and drive continuous improvement.
Most recently, Tom served as Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Middleby Automation, where he spearheaded the adoption of automated frying and pizza preparation/cooking solutions.
Tom has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Santa Clara University.
Tom advises on strategy and key business development areas to drive early adopter success and general market acceptance.
Jamal Mashburn
Jamal Mashburn is most notably known for his success on the basketball court as an NBA superstar.
More recently, Jamal is an entrepreneur with ownership interest in numerous restaurant franchises (38 Outback Steakhouse restaurants, 40 Papa John’s pizza restaurants, and three Dunkin Donuts stores), car dealerships (Lexus & Toyota), real estate, and the thoroughbred horse racing industry.
Jamal advises on growth and scale.