I'm Ashley Trego, a seasoned hospitality professional with 25+ years of experience spanning restaurant kitchens, private cheffing, catering ownership, restaurant administration, assistant management, and retail. I thrive in hands-on roles that blend culinary execution with leadership, menu development, events, and guest experiences across settings from inns to wineries. I enjoy collaborating with teams to deliver memorable experiences and mentoring others along the way. In addition to hands-on work, I contribute as a Culinary Writer for Out Front Magazine, staying current with local culinary trends and promoting LGBTQ+ and hospitality-focused businesses. I'm seeking a dynamic, creative, and supportive environment where I can continue learning, grow, and contribute—whether it’s developing new recipes, shaping guest experiences, or crafting engaging content and programs.

Ashley Trego

I'm Ashley Trego, a seasoned hospitality professional with 25+ years of experience spanning restaurant kitchens, private cheffing, catering ownership, restaurant administration, assistant management, and retail. I thrive in hands-on roles that blend culinary execution with leadership, menu development, events, and guest experiences across settings from inns to wineries. I enjoy collaborating with teams to deliver memorable experiences and mentoring others along the way. In addition to hands-on work, I contribute as a Culinary Writer for Out Front Magazine, staying current with local culinary trends and promoting LGBTQ+ and hospitality-focused businesses. I'm seeking a dynamic, creative, and supportive environment where I can continue learning, grow, and contribute—whether it’s developing new recipes, shaping guest experiences, or crafting engaging content and programs.

Available to hire

I’m Ashley Trego, a seasoned hospitality professional with 25+ years of experience spanning restaurant kitchens, private cheffing, catering ownership, restaurant administration, assistant management, and retail. I thrive in hands-on roles that blend culinary execution with leadership, menu development, events, and guest experiences across settings from inns to wineries. I enjoy collaborating with teams to deliver memorable experiences and mentoring others along the way.

In addition to hands-on work, I contribute as a Culinary Writer for Out Front Magazine, staying current with local culinary trends and promoting LGBTQ+ and hospitality-focused businesses. I’m seeking a dynamic, creative, and supportive environment where I can continue learning, grow, and contribute—whether it’s developing new recipes, shaping guest experiences, or crafting engaging content and programs.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Culinary Writer at Out Front Magazine
January 1, 2014 - November 6, 2025
Research and write compelling articles about local restaurant and food events; stay up to date with local culinary happenings and trends; promote local businesses integral to the LGBTQ+ and hospitality community.
Assistant Pastry Chef at Matsuhisa
December 31, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Prepped ingredients for the dessert kitchen; prepared desserts, artisanal ice creams, pastry, and sauces according to Matsuhisa recipes; helped develop and test new recipes; adhered to food safety and sanitation regulations.
Innkeeper and Chef at West End Inn
April 30, 2020 - April 30, 2020
Coordinated all aspects of inn management; handled guest reservations, check-in/out, guest satisfaction assurance; cooked made-to-order breakfast for each patron; provided suggestions for guest outings and best places to dine.
Realtor at REMAX
October 25, 2019 - October 25, 2019
Provided guided assistance to both buyers and sellers; staged seller’s homes for viewings and hosted open houses; arranged for professional photo and drone shoots of each property; showed homes, farms, retail spaces, and vineyards; prepared listing and closing documents for the title companies.
Front of House Manager at PJ’s Pub
October 31, 2014 - October 31, 2014
Opened restaurant as FOH manager; hired and trained staff of up to ten+ team members; purchased all the wine, beer, and spirits for the bar; created drink recipes for all cocktails.
Tasting Room Host / Event Planner / Chef at Black Bridge Winery and Orchard Valley Farms / Paonia, CO
October 2, 2018 - October 2, 2018
Opened and closed farm market and tasting room; planned special events; cooked for wine dinners and other events; assisted winemakers with all aspects of the winemaking process; created wine descriptions for all wine labels.
Manager & Buyer at Marczyk Fine Wines
October 31, 2009 - October 31, 2009
Promoted from part-time sales associate to full-time manager and buyer; recruited, trained, and supervised staff to ensure excellent customer service and product knowledge; managed purchasing of wine, beer, and spirits, maintaining a curated and profitable inventory; conducted monthly inventory and reconciliations to control costs; developed a monthly newsletter; coordinated in-store tastings and events to drive engagement and sales; increased annual profit from $40K to $985K.
Private Chef at Private Household
June 30, 2005 - June 30, 2005
Purchased all ingredients and planned three meals a day; managed employer's wine collection; supervised vendors and household staff; assisted with childcare.

Education

Bachelor's in Creative Writing and Enology at Metropolitan State University
February 1, 2000 - April 1, 2004
Certificate in Classic Cooking Techniques at Cook Street School of Culinary Arts
April 1, 2005 - August 1, 2005

Qualifications

ServSafe Food Handler
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Knife Skills
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Food Allergens Essentials / State Food Safety
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Customer Service Empathy / NRAEF
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Training on Unconscious Bias / Work Options
March 25, 2025 - November 6, 2025
Communication / NRAEF
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Personal Responsibility / NRAEF
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Attitude / NRAEF
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Learning / NRAEF
January 11, 2030 - November 6, 2025
Restaurant Ready Program – NRAEF
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2025

Industry Experience

Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services, Retail, Media & Entertainment, Other