CELEBRATING 25 YEARS
For 25 years, Chef Works Australia has been more than just a business; it's been a family's dream woven into the fabric of the Australian culinary scene. From humble beginnings to dressing culinary icons, our journey has been one of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the power of family. Join us as we celebrate this milestone, a quarter-century of shared success, and raise a toast to the next generation of culinary excellence.
2000
In 2000, Chef Works embarked on its Australian adventure, bringing the renowned American brand Down Under.
Jonny Brown, inspired by his friend Neil Gross and convinced of the potential market, set out to introduce Aussie chefs to the comfort and style Chef Works was known for.
The journey wasn't without its bumps – like the infamous $125 parking ticket incurred while rushing an order of 6 products to the American Club in Macquarie Street (talk about a costly delivery!).
The overwhelming response to the first Chef Works catalogue proved there was a real appetite for high-quality chef wear, and Jonny knew he was onto something special.
2000
The 2000 Sydney Olympics were a defining moment for Chef Works Australia.
Securing the uniform contract for the Olympic stadium kitchens was a huge win, showcasing the quality of our gear on a global stage.
Jonny famously waited more than five hours to get a moment with the head chef of the then ANZ Stadium. But persistence paid off. That chef, Dieter Gruen, later became head of all Olympic catering, and when his original uniform supplier fell through, he knew exactly who to call.
Outfitting 300 chefs with five sets of uniforms each, all embroidered with logos and personal details, wasn't just a massive undertaking, it was a chance to connect with some of Australia's most talented culinary professionals.
Those connections would go on to shape the future of the Australian culinary scene.
2001
The Sydney Olympics proved to be a springboard for Chef Works Australia.
In the wake of the Games, word of mouth spread like wildfire. The chefs who'd experienced the comfort and quality of Chef Works’ uniforms in the high-pressure Olympic kitchens were now heading up their own establishments, and they all wanted to wear Chef Works.
Jonny spent the next year crisscrossing the country, fitting out teams at prestigious venues like Shangri-La and Crown Resorts.
It wasn't long before Chef Works became the go-to brand for top-tier hospitality uniforms across Australia.
2002
The early 2000s were a whirlwind of growth for Chef Works Australia.
The brand took a giant leap forward by hiring Chef Works’ first employee, who became an invaluable part of the team, especially handling phone orders while Jonny focused on dispatch.
Recognising the need to build the Chef Works Australia brand, Jonny invested in marketing and made a splash at its first trade show in Perth, complete with models on a runway and a DJ, showcasing our stylish range.
After demonstrating the brand’s commitment and market presence through these efforts, Chef Works Australia expanded its offering to distributors around the country.
2009
By 2009, Chef Works Australia had outgrown its old space. Demand was booming, and the team needed room to move. So, the team packed up and moved to a much larger facility on Power Avenue in Alexandria, Chef Works Australia’s current home.
It was a big step, but it was essential to keep up with the growing demand for Chef Works gear and set us up for continued success.
2016
2016 saw Chef Works Australia branching out with the launch of Entity Brands.
Our sister company allowed us to offer a broader range of high-quality workwear solutions and service industries beyond hospitality.
Entity Brands holds the exclusive rights to premium uniform brands such as Nike, Ogio, Port Authority and Bella + Canvas.
2016
Recognising a gap in the market, Chef Works Australia introduced the Cannes Jacket, a stylish and functional piece designed exclusively for Australian chefs.
With short sleeves and a press stud closure it was the first of it's kind, revolutionising the design of the formal long sleeve, double breasted chef jacket.
2017
January 2017 brought another exciting addition to our lineup: the Byron Apron.
A canvas cross-back apron designed specifically for Australia's thriving café scene. Available in neutral tones it is perfect for branding and has become the go-to uniform for cafe's across the country.
2022
October 2022 marked another milestone as Chef Works Australia proudly welcomed Kay-Lene Tan, Claire Van Vuuren, Scott Greve, and Peter Kuruvita to the Chef Works Australia family as brand ambassadors.
Chef Works Australia couldn't be more excited to partner with such esteemed culinary professionals.
2023
Early in 2023, Chef Works Australia launched the ground-breaking FLEX Series.
This sustainable collection is all about ultimate comfort and flexibility, designed to meet the demands of today's chefs.
Crafted using a distinctive blend of cotton and REPREVE®, the world’s leading brand of recycled performance polyester material.
2024
2024 was another exciting year for Chef Works Australia. The team welcomed Shannon Brown as our new CEO, bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the team.
Chef Works Australia also expanded its family of ambassadors, welcoming Jake Nicolson and Jess Liemantara in April.
To celebrate this partnership, Chef Works Australia headed to Melbourne for a major content shoot to launch the stylish new Lockharte Apron.
2025
And now, in 2025, the team is popping the champagne! We're celebrating 25 incredible years of Chef Works Australia.
It's been an amazing journey, and Chef Works Australia is so grateful to every single customer, partner, and member of the family who has made this milestone possible.
Cheers to the next chapter!
