Grazing appoints first central production unit head chef

Federica De Marchi has been named head chef at contract caterer Grazing’s central production unit (CPU) in London’s Bermondsey.

 

This is a new role for the group, which was sold to Restaurant Associates, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, in August last year.

 

De Marchi, originally from Italy, has been working in the London foodservice sector for over a decade.

 

She worked as kitchen manager at Rhubarb Hospitality Collection for two years before joining Bovingdons Catering, where she was based for seven years. She was head chef there for two years, leading Bovingdons’ CPUs and the group’s delivery events kitchen in London.

 

At Grazing, she will be responsible for the CPU and the kitchen team, overseeing operations, purchasing budgets, hygiene standards and food quality, while also developing menus and training new members of staff.

 

Sam Hurst, chief executive of Grazing, said: “ Federica’s hands-on experience running busy kitchens and her passion for great food really stood out to us. She knows how to create fantastic menus while keeping the team motivated and operations running smoothly. We’re excited to see the fresh ideas and energy she’ll bring as we continue to deliver amazing food to our customers.”

 

De Marchi added: “I am thrilled to start this exciting journey and see where it takes me. I feel very lucky to be embracing this new role with endless possibilities.”

 

Grazing was founded by Hurst in 2007, who has since grown the business from one café into a corporate catering company.