Venecia Willis

Director of Culinary at Velvet Taco

Speaker

Chef Venecia Willis, also known as Chef V, brings over 15 years of culinary expertise to her role as the Director of Culinary at Velvet Taco, the Texas-based restaurant brand known for elevating the taco through globally inspired recipes, inventive combinations and the freshest ingredients.

Across over 40+ locations, Chef V embraces Velvet Taco’s method of “resisting the ordinary” by leading dynamic teams nationwide to push the boundaries of what defines a taco through infusing diverse flavors, ingredients and cooking techniques into each creation. Think: Thai basil flown in each week for the Spicy Tikka Chicken taco; handfuls of variations of peppers to pickle, grill or add to scratch-made sauces; and slow roasted meats from pork to brisket. Under Chef V’s inventive leadership, Velvet Taco additionally sets itself apart from any other fast-casual restaurant in the country by showcasing Weekly Taco Features (WTF’s) where guests can experience unique ingredients from around the world and quirky pairings, all in the vehicle of a taco shell every single week of the year. Drawing from her culinary prowess, she stays ahead of the curve, tapping into culinary trends through a special software that tracks the early stages of innovation and popularity of ingredients across the country.

Chef V’s culinary journey began at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, fueled by her entrepreneurial spirit and personal love for culinary exploration. Prior to joining Velvet Taco in 2021, she held positions as Director of Culinary at Roti Modern Mediterranean and Senior Culinary Operations Manager for Protein Bar & Kitchen. During her eight-year tenure at Roti Modern Mediterranean Kitchen, Chef V rapidly ascended the ranks, transitioning from an hourly employee to a corporate managerial role in only two years. With a track record of quick advancements and exceptional leadership, Chef V earned accolades including Young Leader to Watch by QSR Magazine in 2020.

Joining Velvet Taco was a natural progression for Chef V, as she had been drawn to Velvet Taco's open kitchen concept and vibrant atmosphere for years and recognized the synergy between her culinary ethos and the brand's commitment to individuality and innovation. Her affinity for fast-casual dining stems from an interest in connecting with a diverse range of guests and elevating fast-casual dishes through her creativity.

As Velvet Taco continues to redefine fast-casual dining, Chef Venecia Willis remains at the forefront of culinary innovation, driving the brand's success through her unwavering passion and commitment to excellence.