Ray graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 1990 and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Hotel Restaurant Management from James Madison University in 1993. While serving as a Teaching Assistant and culinary consult for the JMU program from 1991 to 1993, Ray developed a relationship with the Food and Beverage Director for the Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, where he managed several outlets from 1992 to 1994. At the Greenbrier, he collaborated with Executive Chef Walter Scheib, former White House Executive Chef from 1994 to 2004, on Celebrity Chef cooking seminars and Congressional event execution.
From an early age, Ray knew that great food and gracious service were his passions. Since his first job at age 15, washing dishes for a local country club, Ray has remained true to his profession while amassing know-how to operate every aspect of a successful restaurant. The only departure from this pursuit came while Ray was completing his military training after being compelled to serve his country in the United States Army Reserve's Special Forces Group, which he did from 1985 to 1993.
Prior to his formal hospitality industry schooling, he was introduced to superb service standards and uncompromising food quality at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia and 1789 Restaurant in Georgetown, Washington, DC.
In the late 80's Ray worked in some of the D.C. area's favorite kitchens such as Fedora Café, Vivande, Bushwaller's and The Peter Pan Inn. Following his education and time in hotels, Ray returned to restaurants as a Chef with Peasant Restaurants in Atlanta, as General Manager with Kudzu Café in Atlanta, and Amerigo Restaurants in Atlanta and Nashville.
From 2000 to 2006, Ray achieved multi-unit responsibility in Atlanta as Market Partner at eatZi's Market and Bakery with responsibility for annual gross revenues over $23M. Ray's experience, education, commitment to the industry, and fluency with every aspect of restaurant operations, make him uniquely suited to providing exceptional support and a leader in restaurant and hospitality consulting.
