Douglas’ story starts, as the best ones do, at the dinner table.

Lucky enough to have not one, but two Italian grandmothers, Douglas learned early on the emotional role that food plays in an Italian American family. When made with love and served with love, food is family.

He’ll tell you, “From a young age, I understood our lives were centered on food. We ate when we were happy, and we ate even more when we were sad. When we weren’t eating, we were thinking about what we were going to eat next. Nothing really happened if it didn’t happen over food.”

By the time Douglas was old enough to cook, he knew a simple serving of pasta represented much more than what was on the plate. It was culture and comfort. A meal was celebration and connection.

This is why, a few decades later (but who’s counting), Douglas helps leaders in the culinary world channel the power of food and story to bring people together at the table. 

Honed over more than 20 years in the New York restaurant scene, Douglas’ expertise lives at the intersection of excellence in design execution and creative storytelling. A deep commitment to fully supporting and expressing his clients’ missions underpins his approach to the work. 

Previously on the faculty at the International Culinary Center, Douglas now teaches at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Douglas also frequently lectures at the Institute for Culinary Education, guiding emerging designers and culinary entrepreneurs through the art and science of restaurant branding and graphic design. His advice?

Start with the story. It’s the heart of every memorable meal. 

So when you meet Douglas, bring the photos of your great-grandparents' farm. Of the kitchen where you first learned to cook. Ask him about the little place in Seville with the hand-painted sign where he once ate the most beautiful late lunch with his parents, the chef’s pride palpable in every dish. Tell him about the most recent time that food made the moment for you.

Let’s tell a story that transcends the table.