Anthony Greco is a Niagara-based chef, and Niagara College alum who, after 20 years of industry experience, returned to his alma mater in 2024 as Benchmark Sous Chef.
InsideNC caught up with Chef Greco to dish on his career highlights, NC memories (from his student days), and his upcoming involvement in A Chef’s Journey with Riley Bennett on April 24.
NC program
Culinary Management Class of 2008
Current role
Sous Chef, Benchmark restaurant, Niagara College
Hometown and current city
Welland
Career inspiration
“I had always enjoyed cooking as a child with my parents and grandmother,” said Greco. “I remember the feeling that brought me and the people around me. I wanted to continue that in my career with guests and my coworkers.”
When it comes to inspiration in his career, Greco looks to his home in Niagara and lets ‘the seasons do the speaking.’ He also draws inspiration from his travels and exposure to many styles of cuisine.
NC journey
As a NC student, Greco not only excelled in the classroom, but he also was selected to represent the College in Portugal on a culinary exchange in 2007 where he cooked alongside his mentor, Chef Mark Picone for Canadian Embassy officials and Portuguese officials.
Standout NC memory
“NC gave me the opportunity to connect with industry professionals who I am still close with today,” said Greco. “NC helped build the foundation for my career and helped shape my standards and work ethic.”
Career highlights
Greco began his culinary career at Hillebrand Winery. From there, he moved on to work at some of Niagara’s top restaurants and food service establishments including Mark Picone Culinary Studio, Zee’s Grill, Deluca’s Wine Country Restaurant, Commisso’s Fresh Foods, Zest and most recently Niagara Oast House Brewers, where he has been responsible for managing two brands: Brushfire Smoke (focusing on Central Texas barbeque) and Patina Pizza (New American style pizza).
Early in his career, Chef Greco was honoured as one of Ontario Hostelry’s Top 30 under 30. This annual recognition program celebrates the hospitality and foodservice industry’s top 30 young professionals in all sectors.
During his time as Chef de Cuisine at Zest (Fonthill), two of Greco’s menus earned gold recognition from the Food Day Canada’s and Good Food Innovation Awards, which focus on celebrating chefs and restaurants that use locally-sourced ingredients. This recognition earned him the opportunity to represent Canada at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City in 2018.
In 2024, he returned to NC to take on the role of Sous Chef at Benchmark restaurant.
Rewards
“Seeing the growth in the students. From first year day one to their capstone.”
Words of wisdom
Greco offers advice to students who hope to follow his footsteps:
“Time and temperature are the two most important aspects of a professional kitchen,” he said. “Be patient and keep learning.”
A Chef’s Journey
On April 24, Greco will be a featured alumni at Benchmark’s A Chef’s Journey with Riley Bennett dinner event.
“I feel truly honored that Chef Riley asked me to be a part of his signature dinner. Each signature dinner has been a memorable experience but this one is special because I get to step out of the kitchen and connect with the guests,” said Greco. “Chef Riley and I started our NC journeys teaching at the same time. He has grown to become a mentor and peer at the same time.”
Greco noted that although they have never worked together in the industry, their paths have similarities along the way.
“From B.C. to winery experience, Europe and beyond, each time we talk, it seems as though we have known each other for years,” he said.
A Chef’s Journey details
Organized by the College’s Culinary, Tourism and Beverage Studies division, each event in the A Chef’s Journey series shines a spotlight on an academic chef – or two – who curate a multi-course meal along with an evening experience that reflects their personal journeys. The events also include featured alumni and a team of students. Stories will be conveyed through a menu of food and beverage selections, as well as storytelling, visuals, and other surprises throughout the evening.
A Chef’s Journey events are held at Benchmark restaurant, located at NC’s Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The events are supported by students and staff from the College’s Benchmark team led by Victor Oliveira and Chef Justin Downes.
For series details and ticket information visit Eventbrite: eventbrite.ca/e/a-chefs-journey-celebrating-students-tickets-1092764741759?aff=oddtdtcreator
Please note: Tickets for scheduled A Chef’s Journey 2024-2025 events have sold out.
