Brian Konopka

Brian Konopka is a successful founder, chef, and entrepreneur with experience in hospitality settings ranging from iconic New York City restaurants to three-Michelin-starred dining destinations in Paris and Spain. 

After earning a Culinary Arts degree from the Culinary Institute of America, Konopka gained industry experience at El Bulli and Le Cirque before merging his kitchen skills with a business degree from The New England Culinary Institute. This combination of business acumen and culinary knowledge enables Konopka to understand and analyze both the art and the enterprise aspects of food brands operating in an evolving market. 

Konopka’s first venture was Kobeyaki Restaurant, a healthy, sustainable, multi-unit NYC restaurant concept that he grew to earn more than $10M in annual revenue. Its success put him on the INC 5000 list and attracted a brand partnership with Madison Square Garden.

Konopka’s enthusiasm for sustainable food business models has made him a sought after speaker and industry expert across television, panel discussions, and print and digital media publications.

Presently, Konopka is the Dean of Culinary Management & Director of Strategic Operations at ICE’s New York campus, guiding budding food entrepreneurs in the pursuit of their culinary dreams.