Andrew K.

Andrew is a warm, caring presence, known for his thoughtful approach and genuine hospitality. Consistently going above and beyond to create positive experiences, Andrew’s generosity is felt in big and small ways – from his willingness to support others without hesitation to his generosity in bringing treats for the entire store. Passionate about his craft, Andrew is a knowledgeable and engaging communicator who takes pride in educating others on cheese, salumi, and flavor pairings. He actively volunteers to lead staff classes, helping to foster a culture of learning and curiosity. Respected for his kindness, resilience, and integrity, Andrew is an exceptional Eatalian, trusted team member, and a friend who positively impacts everyone around him.

What is your background?
“I was born in Scarborough, grew up in Pickering, and now live in Ajax. Originally I studied forensic sciences at Trent. There, I made a small business selling grilled cheese from my dorm room. My hobby became my passion, and I switched to study Culinary Management at George Brown College. My love of food stemmed from the world’s best chef – my mom.”

What has your Eataly journey been like?
“I came to Eataly because it’s a great place to learn about cheesemongering with our diverse and wide counter of cheeses, mozzarella making, the breakdown of Parmigiano Reggiano DOP. At first, I only knew generic cheeses, but I put in the work here to develop vast knowledge with pairing notes and recipes pouring from my mind! I started as a SAFO Artisan; after three years, I was promoted to Lead. My favorite part of my job is finding the perfect pairing for a customer. I love seeing the look on their face when they try cheese and love it, and I appreciate hearing about how well it went with their dishes after they brought it home. And, of course, another great part of the job is getting to eat the cheeses myself!”

What advice do you have for a fellow Eatalian?
“Look on the bright side, and maintain a positive outlook. Remember that building connections is crucial to success. Each of my teammates has vast knowledge of their products. Asking them questions helped me build a library of information, pair products, and create recipes. I’d be nothing without my friends and connections here!”

What are some fun facts about you?
“My favorite hobby is playing the piano. I’m also a fan of board and video games. Growing up, my career dreams changed often, from a firefighter, game designer, lawyer, forensic scientist, police officer, chef, and then cheesemonger. It all started with wanting to be a firefighter, though, because I’ve always loved helping people. This mindset still shows up today. I enjoy bringing smiles to others – from treating the team to Timbits on Fridays, dressing up with candy for Halloween, or even playing Santa at Christmas.”