Raquel honors and respects where food comes from and where it’s headed. To her, food is more than taste—it’s about connection, culture, and creativity. Raised between California and Virginia, she merges the West Coast’s vibrant flavors with the South’s soulful traditions. Her passion runs deep, rooted in her family’s history as owners of Virginia’s largest Black-owned farm, where she helped with livestock butchering and farm operations, learning firsthand the deep connection between food, land, and legacy. From an early age, Chef Raquel developed a profound respect for fresh, high-quality ingredients and the people who produce them. That respect shapes her cooking philosophy: “Less is more.” She creates dishes that tell a story by allowing ingredients to shine with simplicity while maximizing flavor and efficiency.
As a Sysco Culinary Specialist, Chef Raquel helps chefs and operators bring their visions to life—mentoring, collaborating, and tailoring solutions to elevate their operations. “The most rewarding part of my role is helping customers discover new flavors and techniques,” she shares. Whether developing menu items, refining presentations, or streamlining workflows, her approach is practical
and impactful.
One major advantage of working with Sysco, she says, is access to top-tier ingredients and industry-leading support. She particularly relies on Sysco’s produce, which meets the highest specifications and undergoes rigorous quality assurance. “Sysco provides alerts on any field issues, ensuring we always deliver the best product to customers,” she explains.
Beyond the kitchen, Chef Raquel passionately advocates diversity and inclusion in the culinary world, believing that varied perspectives lead to richer, more dynamic menus. “Sysco’s commitment to diversity allows chefs to reflect the cultural richness of the communities they serve. That means incorporating global flavors with authenticity.”
Her advice to chefs? Take full advantage of Sysco’s resources. “Explore the range of products and services, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Our specialists provide invaluable support, from plating to kitchen efficiency, helping restaurants and their teams increase profitability while maintaining quality.” She also emphasizes the importance of open communication with suppliers.
Chef Raquel’s proudest achievement isn’t a single dish or accolade—it’s the impact she makes every day. “I’m often asked, ‘Why don’t you have a restaurant?’ But in many ways, I feel like I have many. Through my work with Sysco, I get to create culinary art and help others bring their visions to life, and that is truly rewarding.”
With her passion, innovation, and dedication to helping chefs succeed, Chef Raquel is shaping the future of foodservice—one simple dish, conversation, and kitchen at a time.
