THE BURNT CHEF PROJECT NORTH AMERICA
- Victoria Beal
- 10 hours ago
- 5 min read
The Burnt Chef Project Expands North American Presence with U.S. Nonprofit and Canadian Social Enterprise.
London, UK — 9 March 2026 — The Burnt Chef Project is strengthening its presence in North America with the launch of a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the United States and the development of a Canadian social enterprise, expanding access to mental health education and support for hospitality professionals across both countries.
Founded in 2019 by hospitality professional Kris Hall, The Burnt Chef Project was created to address mental health stigma within the hospitality industry. What began as a grassroots movement in the United Kingdom has grown into a global organisation supporting hospitality professionals through education, research, and workplace wellbeing initiatives.
The Burnt Chef Project operates globally as a social enterprise focused on improving mental health within the hospitality industry through education, research, and support services.
“Hospitality is built on people looking after others, yet too often the people working within it struggle in silence,” said Kris Hall, Founder and CEO of The Burnt Chef Project. “Expanding our presence in North America allows us to bring practical mental health support, education, and open conversations to more hospitality professionals across the industry.”
Since its founding, The Burnt Chef Project has delivered certified training programmes, employer resources, industry research, and awareness campaigns supporting thousands of hospitality professionals worldwide. Its work focuses on addressing burnout, substance misuse, workplace culture, and psychological safety across commercial kitchens, bars, and service environments.
Across North America, the organisation will provide mental health workshops, leadership training, research initiatives, trade show activations, and workplace wellbeing consulting designed specifically for hospitality businesses. Free mental health toolkits and crisis support signposting will also continue to be made available to hospitality professionals across the industry.
Leadership Driving North American Growth
To support this expansion, The Burnt Chef Project has appointed a leadership team with extensive experience across hospitality, business, and nonprofit sectors. The expansion forms part of the organisation’s wider global strategy led by Founder and CEO Kris Hall.
Tom Mitchell has been appointed President of The Burnt Chef Project North America and CEO of the Canadian Social Enterprise expansion.
A hospitality and foodservice veteran with more than 50 years of industry experience, Tom managed his first bar at the age of 21 and later led restaurant operations across Calgary, Winnipeg, and Toronto. He spent 41 years leading a successful Manufacturers’ Representative firm and has served as President of both the Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals (CAFP) and MAFSI.
In his role as President, Tom will focus on strengthening industry partnerships, building sustainable programmes, and ensuring hospitality professionals across North America have access to the education and support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.
Jamie Wyckoff will serve as Executive Director of The Burnt Chef Project USA, helping guide the organisation’s strategy, partnerships, and programme development across the United States.
With more than 30 years of experience, including 21 years of service in the U.S. Military, Jamie holds an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from American Military University, and an MBA from the University of Maryland. Her leadership reflects both operational expertise and a strong understanding of the pressures faced within hospitality environments.
Colleen Silk has been appointed Chief Creative Marketing Officer (CCMO) for North America.
A hospitality executive and founder of Hospitality Bites Media, Colleen brings nearly 20 years of experience spanning restaurant operations, executive leadership, brand strategy, and media production. Through her Hospitality Bites podcast, documentary work, and advocacy work, she has built a respected platform focused on humanising hospitality and advancing conversations around mental health and sustainable workplace culture.
In this role, she will support the growth of The Burnt Chef Project’s storytelling, partnerships, and educational outreach across North America.
The Burnt Chef Project USA Board
The U.S. nonprofit will be supported by a board bringing experience across hospitality, finance, governance, and organisational leadership.
Matt Jennings will serve as President of The Burnt Chef Project USA Board.
A nationally recognised chef, restaurateur, and author, Matt is a multi-nominated James Beard Award chef whose work has been featured nationally through restaurants, writing, television appearances, and speaking engagements. Throughout his career he has built and led acclaimed restaurant concepts while mentoring the next generation of hospitality professionals.
He is also the founder of MAJC, The Workforce Engine for Hospitality, a digital community, academy, and software platform designed to support hospitality professionals. In recent years he has focused on advocacy, education, and consulting, helping organisations rethink workplace culture, sustainability, and team wellbeing across the industry.
Erin L. Wilk will serve as Vice President of The Burnt Chef Project USA Board.
A senior executive and strategist with more than 20 years of experience across financial services and technology, Erin has held leadership roles at Bank of America and Meta where she built and scaled global programmes in high-trust environments.
She brings expertise in governance, organisational transformation, and operational strategy and is committed to advancing leadership accountability and workplace wellbeing across the hospitality industry.
Polly Barrington will serve as Secretary of The Burnt Chef Project USA Board.
A communications and events leader with more than 20 years of experience, Polly previously held leadership roles at Walt Disney World across Food & Beverage and Training & Development. She brings expertise in talent development, community engagement, and operational support alongside her work with U.S. Culinary Open and ACF Atlanta Chefs to strengthen the culinary community and promote mental health awareness.
Aaron Smyle will serve as Treasurer of The Burnt Chef Project USA Board.
Aaron is the founder of Smyle and Associates, LLC, a tax and compliance advisory firm supporting individuals and small businesses, including restaurants and retailers. An Enrolled Agent authorised by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service, he brings extensive financial expertise to the organisation.
Aaron holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, an MBA in Professional Accounting, and a Master’s in Taxation from Fordham University, where he also earned certification in Not-for-Profit Management.
Emily Parigi will serve as a Board Member of The Burnt Chef Project USA.
Emily brings a background spanning nonprofit leadership and hospitality industry experience. Her career began in mission-driven organisations where she held senior communications and marketing roles before transitioning into the hospitality industry as a professional baker.
Strengthening the Mission in North America
By combining nonprofit advocacy in the United States with a scalable social enterprise model in Canada, The Burnt Chef Project is expanding access to education, resources, and industry partnerships that support healthier workplace cultures across hospitality.
This expansion represents an important step in strengthening the organisation’s global mission to improve mental health within hospitality and build more resilient industry environments.
For partnership opportunities, media inquiries, or to support the mission in the US,
please visit
In Canada, please visit
or contact
Media Contact
Emmy Webster, Marketing Director
About The Burnt Chef Project
The Burnt Chef Project is a global social enterprise focused on improving mental health awareness and support within the hospitality industry. Founded in 2019 by Kris Hall, the organisation delivers training, research, education, and industry partnerships designed to address stigma and support healthier workplace cultures across kitchens, bars, and hospitality environments worldwide.
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