Ali Banks

Ali Banks is an accomplished culinary and food & beverage consultant with extensive experience in strategic development and operational efficiency within the restaurant industry. As the Founder of Cassien Creative Consulting since September 2024, Ali specializes in menu and culinary strategies, as well as optimizing kitchen operations. Currently serving as the VP of Restaurant Business Development at Defiant Food Group and as a Food & Beverage Consultant for ENZO Olive Oil Company, Ali previously held the position of Vice President of Culinary at Founders Table Restaurant Group, where oversight included menu innovation and operational scaling for Chopt Creative Salad Co., expanding its locations from 37 to nearly 100. With a strong culinary foundation established through various roles, including at Chopt Creative Salad Company and Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine, Ali's expertise is further enhanced by formal education from Le Cordon Bleu Paris and New York University.