Available to hire
I’m Charlie Ray, a multinational executive chef and sustainable food systems leader, with more than a decade of experience in culinary innovation, zero-waste operations, and inclusive food education.
I’m Swedish and Black American, and I’ve been featured on Chopped, Battle of the Decades, and Best Bite Wins. I’ve served more than 300 clients across four continents, led teams of 50+, and driven 50% food-waste reduction across multiple venues.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Language
English
Fluent
Swedish
Fluent
Work Experience
Founder & Executive Chef / Culinary Consultant at Rays Corp.
March 1, 2022 - November 1, 2025Provided private chef services and pop-up experiences for 300+ clients across Alaska, Australia, Sweden, and California; designed sustainable food systems and consulted on operational workflows for private and public kitchens; maintained food cost margins between 15–20%, outperformed industry benchmarks; taught community cooking classes focused on food waste reduction, seasonal eating, and food justice.
Chef Instructor at Sur La Table
June 1, 2025 - November 1, 2025Led culinary camps for children ages 6–18, teaching foundational kitchen skills, knife safety, and cooking techniques; designed and delivered engaging lessons on nutrition, flavor development, and recipe execution; fostered a supportive, fun learning environment.
Executive Chef & Culinary Consultant at Watch Me! Sports Bar
August 1, 2024 - August 1, 2024Opened California's first women-focused sports bar; developed menu and kitchen systems rooted in inclusivity and zero-waste operations; led hiring, training, vendor partnerships, and built SOPs for sustainable sourcing and food safety.
Head Chef / Operations Manager at Refresh Hospitality
March 1, 2022 - March 1, 2022Managed 4 venues and a staff of 30–50 across weddings and large-scale bespoke events; implemented HACCP-compliant systems, custom cost-control Excel tools, and vendor logistics; oversaw procurement, budget forecasting, and full P&L accountability.
Private Chef & Culinary Educator at Acanfora Family
February 1, 2022 - February 1, 2022Delivered custom meal plans and holiday events for high-net-worth clients; hosted in-home cooking classes to promote plant-based, seasonal living.
Chef Instructor / Workshop Developer at Yum Tum
August 1, 2021 - August 1, 2021Developed digital and live curriculum for team-building cooking experiences; led classes in sustainable practices for corporate and creative professionals.
Founder / Head Chef at VÄRT Sustainable Food Lab
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020Created luxury meals using surplus food in collaboration with public sector managers; taught food systems innovation workshops in collaboration with Gothenburg's sustainability leaders; developed original recipes and protocols still in use today.
Head Chef at Västkustlinjen, Gothenburg
December 1, 2017 - December 1, 2017Oversaw catering on ships and for offshore venues, balancing heritage cooking and local sourcing.
Chef de Partie / Grill Master at Köksbaren, Umeå
March 1, 2017 - March 1, 2017Specialization in meat and grilling at a leading Nordic gastronomy pub; contributed to award-winning service through sustainable sourcing and modern plating.
Chef Instructor at Sur La Table
January 1, 2025 - November 1, 2025Led culinary camps for children ages 6–18, teaching foundational kitchen skills, knife safety, and cooking techniques; designed and delivered engaging lessons on nutrition, flavor development, and creative recipe execution; fostered a supportive and fun learning environment that encouraged teamwork, curiosity, and confidence in the kitchen.
Education
Master’s in Design for Sustainable Co-Creation at Konstfack, Sweden
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2017Bachelor’s in Gastronomy at Umeå University, Sweden
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2017Diploma Centennial High School at Corona, CA, USA
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2008Master's in Design for Sustainable Co-Creation at Konstfack, University of Arts, Crafts and Design
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2017Bachelor's in Gastronomy at Umeå University
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2017Diploma at Centennial High, Corona, CA, USA
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2008Qualifications
Serv Safe Food Manager Certification
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2025Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2025Back to the Land: Master Certificate
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2025Bachelor’s of Gastronomy
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2017Master’s in Design for Sustainable Co-Creation
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2017Diploma Centennial High School
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2008Serv Safe Food Manager Certification
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2025Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2025Back to the Land: Master Certificate
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2025Serv Safe Food Manager Certification
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2025Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2025Industry Experience
Travel & Hospitality, Other, Professional Services, Education, Manufacturing
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