MiCHAEL HORNBACk

Director of Culinary

With over 40 years of culinary and foodservice experience, I am a passionate and professional chef who helps food companies generate profit through sustainable flavor. As the Director of Culinary at Custom Culinary®, I lead with culinary development and innovation of comprehensive flavor systems that satisfy and delight customers across the globe, while also having a positive impact on the planet.

My core competencies include foodservice solutions, culinary development, ingredient sourcing, procurement, marketing, and sustainability.

I have a master's degree in food business and a culinary arts degree from The Culinary Institute of America, and I hold multiple certifications from the Research Chefs Association, American Culinary Federation, and the World Association of Chefs Societies.  I also have a bachelor's degree in hospitality management from Florida International University.

My mission is to cultivate strong partnerships with commercial and non-commercial foodservice chefs and operators, distributors, and manufacturers, to provide solutions the help create premium dining experiences for their guests and customers.

FAVORITE PRODUCTS

Dish It Out: Chef Hornback Q&A

YEARS IN FOODSERVICE INDUSTRY: 

40

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WERE GOING TO BECOME A CHEF? 

I knew I was going to become a chef when I realized how much satisfaction I got from bringing people together through food. Early on, I was drawn to the rhythm of the kitchen and the creativity that came with every dish. Over time, that passion evolved into a deeper curiosity about flavor, culture, and innovation which led me from restaurant kitchens to the world of culinary development. Today, I still carry that same sense of purpose: to create food that connects people and tells a story.

WHAT'S THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? 

The best advice I ever received came from a mentor early in my career who told me, “Always lead from the front, but never forget where you started.” It reminded me to stay humble, teach what I’ve learned, and never lose the hands-on passion that drew me to this profession in the first place. That perspective has shaped how I lead teams, develop products, and build relationships across the industry. It’s a reminder that leadership in the kitchen, or anywhere, starts with respect for the craft and the people behind it.

IMAGINE YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY THREE PEOPLE, LIVING OR DEAD, WHO WOULD YOU PICK AND WHY?

If I could have dinner with any three people, I’d choose Anthony Bourdain, Julia Child, and José Andrés. Bourdain for his honesty and his ability to connect food to culture; Julia Child for her fearlessness in teaching and breaking barriers; and José Andrés for the way he uses food to serve humanity. Each of them represents a different part of what I love about this industry - creativity, education, and purpose.

MEMBERSHIPS: 

American Culinary Federation (ACF), Research Chef Association (RCA), World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS)

RECOGNITION: 

President, ACF Orange County Chefs Association

CRAVING MORE? CHECK OUT THESE SIMILAR POSTS

Birria Grilled Cheese Dipper

Golden, buttery grilled sourdough stuffed with melty cheese and shredded beef birria, served with a hot cup of rich True Foundations® Beef Birria Broth for dipping.

Bourbon Date Hand Pies

Pastry pockets filled with sweet Medjool dates in a rich bourbon sauce with crème anglaise.

Featuring Custom Culinary® Gold Label Kentucky Bourbon Sauce and Crème Anglaise

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat, Soy

Breakfast Benny Burger

Give your customers their favorite Eggs Benedict dish, beyond the morning daypart! Serve a smash burger with American cheese, hashbrowns, Canadian bacon and a poached egg on a toasted brioche bun, topped off with Breakfast Secret Sauce made with Custom Culinary® Frozen, Ready-to-Use Hollandaise Sauce and everything bagel seasoning. A craveworthy option to wake up your breakfast or brunch menu!

Flatbread Pizza with Alfredo Sauce

Indulge in the delectable Custom Culinary® Gold Label Alfredo Sauce on a mouth-watering Flatbread Pizza topped with savory prosciutto ham, juicy vine-ripened tomatoes, and fresh arugula. Our unique take on the classic pizza offers a perfect combination of bold flavors and familiarity. Experience a burst of new flavors with a favorite dish that is sure to be loved by all.

Jalapeño Street Corn Dip

Perfect for: Tortilla chips, sliders, flatbreads, and taquitos.

Featuring Custom Culinary® Jalapeño Relish
 

MEET THE TEAM