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Owner, Chef

Kurt Peter

Chef Peter’s cooking style highlights contemporary yet rustic menus inspired by fresh, locally sourced ingredients, thoughtful presentation, and a refined take on farm-to-table dining. Above all, he takes pride in creating memorable experiences for his clients.

Chef Kurt Peter was born and raised on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, where his love for food and the outdoors began at an early age. His culinary journey started with hunting and fishing in his own backyard, as well as working in private clubs and restaurants throughout the region. He later expanded his experience as a private chef in the yachting industry, as well as serving as Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Director at The Westin Hotel and Azure Restaurant in Annapolis.

After earning degrees in Sports Management and Business from Lynchburg College, Chef Peter chose to further pursue his passion by enrolling in the Hotel, Culinary Arts, and Tourism program at Anne Arundel Community College. It was there that he discovered how much he enjoyed combining his business background with a more creative, hands-on approach to hospitality. During this time, he met Chef Shawn Harlan—marking the beginning of a partnership that would shape his career.

Today, he is the Executive Chef and owner of Chesapeake Chef Service, a company dedicated to delivering professional, personalized, and detail-oriented dining experiences—from large-scale weddings and events to intimate gatherings.

Chef Peter’s cooking style reflects his passion for the outdoors, featuring contemporary yet rustic menus inspired by the rivers and fields of Maryland. His dishes are defined by fresh, locally sourced ingredients, thoughtful presentation, and a refined take on farm-to-table dining. Above all, he takes pride in creating memorable experiences for his clients, surprising them with innovative dishes that honor the flavors and traditions of the Chesapeake Bay and its seasons.

Chef

Brian Hohl

Chef Brian is a Southern Maryland native and seasoned Executive Chef with over 23 years of experience, known for his fine dining background and passion for mentoring the next generation of culinary talent.

Born and raised in Southern Maryland along the Chesapeake Bay, Chef Brian’s culinary journey began at a young age. Spending time in the kitchen with his mom and nana was always a favorite pastime, as was hunting and fishing with his dad.

At just 17 years old, he became a prep cook at a local BBQ restaurant—marking the true beginning of his culinary career. Chef Brian went on to attend Baltimore International College, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Restaurant Management and an Associate’s degree in Professional Cooking.

After an incredible five-week externship in Ireland, Brian began working at a local fine dining restaurant. Since then, he has gained experience in high-end French restaurants across Virginia and Florida, and most recently served as Executive Chef at Fox’s Den.

With over 23 years of experience, Brian is passionate about mentoring the next generation of chefs and cooks. Joining Chesapeake Chef Services has proven to be a perfect fit, allowing him to continue developing his skills while contributing to the growth of the business.

Chef

James Thorton

Chef James brings brings a strong foundation of classical technique paired with a modern, creative approach to cooking. His cooking style focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and balanced flavors, with an emphasis on elevating familiar dishes through technique and presentation.

Chef James joined the team in 2024 and has quickly become an integral part of the Chesapeake Chefs Market kitchen. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, he brings a strong foundation of classical technique paired with a modern, creative approach to cooking.

Raised in a family of chefs, James was immersed in the kitchen from an early age, where he developed both his skillset and his passion for the culinary arts. That early exposure shaped his appreciation for quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and the importance of creating memorable dining experiences.

Throughout his career, Chef James has worked in a variety of fast-paced and detail-driven kitchen environments, refining his ability to execute at a high level while maintaining consistency and creativity. His cooking style focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and balanced flavors, with an emphasis on elevating familiar dishes through technique and presentation.

As Lead Chef at Chesapeake Chefs Market, James plays a key role in menu development, daily operations, and leading the Market team. From crafting weekly specials to ensuring every dish meets the highest standards, his attention to detail and commitment to quality are evident in everything that leaves the kitchen.

Chef James is passionate about creating food that not only tastes exceptional but also brings people together. His dedication to his craft and his team continues to enhance the guest experience and strengthen the Market’s reputation for thoughtful, elevated cuisine.

Chef

Kyle Richards

Chef Kyle is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, where he built a strong foundation in classical and modern techniques. His approach to cooking emphasizes bold yet balanced flavors, clean presentation, and a commitment to authenticity while still embracing innovation.

Chef Kyle is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, where he built a strong foundation in various culinary techniques. His time in one of the world’s most dynamic food cities exposed him to a wide range of cuisines, sharpening his skills and deepening his appreciation for high-quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation.

He further refined his craft during a six-month immersive experience in Tuscany, Italy, where he trained in authentic Italian cooking. Chef Kyle is especially passionate about crafting fresh, housemade pastas, combining traditional methods with his own creative touch.

His approach to cooking emphasizes bold yet balanced flavors, clean presentation, and a commitment to authenticity while still embracing innovation.

Catering Operations Manager

Savannah Evans

Savannah brings a wealth of experience from a diverse background in the wedding and events industry. With her strong foundation in hospitality and keen attention to detail, she ensures every event is thoughtfully planned and seamlessly executed.

Savannah, our Catering Operations Manager, brings a wealth of experience from a diverse background in the wedding and events industry. With her strong foundation in hospitality and keen attention to detail, she ensures every event is thoughtfully planned and seamlessly executed. Savannah’s expertise and dedication help create smooth, memorable experiences for every client and guest.
Wedding & Event Sales Manager

Thais Joy

Thais is dedicated to understanding your vision and guiding you through the planning process, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Thais Joy, our Wedding & Event Sales Manager, is your first point of contact when planning your special event. With a strong background in hospitality and account management, she brings a personalized, detail-oriented approach to every client interaction. Thais is dedicated to understanding your vision and guiding you through the planning process, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.