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David A. Gotowko

CFBE — CEC
Founder / President

Mr. Gotowko began his career in the early 1970’s at a Country Club in Upstate New York. It was here that Gotowko met his first mentor, Master Chef Eric Scott. After a few years of working numerous Line Positions he was offered a formal three year Apprenticeship under Chef Scott. Concluding a successful Culinary Program Chef Gotowko later accepted the position of Executive Chef at the Private Club. He was only 19. By the late 1970s Chef Gotowko had held Sous Chef positions at the Royale George & Royale York Hotels in Toronto, Ontario. He accepted his first consulting contract while working at the “York” opening Toronto’s first Wine Bar, the Rendezvous Room in 1980. Acquiring a taste for management, Gotowko left the kitchen accepting positions with a Hotel Group that owned Playboy Club, Ramada Renaissance, Ramada Inn, & Marriott franchises.

In mid 1982, he opened Davio a Northern Italian Southern Country French Restaurant featuring a National Jazz Tour Nightclub in Amherst, New York. The restaurant opened to critical acclaim in a very difficult economic time. Davio received feature articles from Gourmet Magazine, Bon Appetite Magazine, Billboard and Wine Spectator. The restaurant was the recipient of numerous awards such as DiRONA, Travel Holiday, Michelin Guide, and the Wine Spectator Grand Award. Frustrated with the continued struggle with a poor economy in the upstate New York area, Gotowko sold the restaurant in 1985. Later that year, Gotowko joined ARA Services, Fine Dining Division as their National Director of Special Events and General Manager of the John Hancock Restaurants / The 95th in Chicago. He traveled extensively; having full Catering and Production responsibility for Nationally Prominent Events such as Miss America Beauty Pageants; the Unveiling of the Statue of Liberty Celebration in New York Harbour; Ramses II Egyptian Antiquities US Tour; the Pan American Games; Super Bowl XX ; and many others. He has served every U.S. President from Mr. Carter to Mr. Clinton along with many other World dignitaries.

At the beginning of 1990, Gotowko packed away his suitcase joining Eli’s Chicago’s Finest Cheesecake and Eli’s the Place for Steak as their Corporate Chef and General Manager. In 1994, he established Restaurant Business Solutions serving the many needs of the Food & Beverage Industry developing a practice exclusively for restaurants, hotels, private clubs, caterer’s, and entertainment venues. In 1995 he was honored as one of “America’s Top 2000 Chefs” by Chefs in America.

He has worked with numerous Restaurant & Hotel groups including A la Carte Enterprises; Phil Stefani Restaurants; Key Wester Fish & Pasta House; Luigi’s Pasta House; Wild West Town Theme Park; Hyatt Hotels; Marriott Hotels; Country Inns; several Private Clubs; numerous independents, investment groups, and accountants with industry clients. While much of Restaurant Business Solution’s clientele is centered upon concept and business development, its reputation for troubled financial “turn-arounds” is also well respected. He is responsible for creation of numerous restaurant concepts in the United States and Canada. Gotowko developed “Kids Kitchen,” a nutrition and cooking program for elementary school children in suburban Chicago; and developed, coordinated, & directed two Summer Season outdoor art projects raising more than $175,000 each year for the Naperville United Way. Restaurant Business Solutions currently serves clients in four states throughout the Midwest.

Licenses & Affiliations

Certified Food & Beverage Executive
American Motel and Hotel Association

America's Top 2000 Chef's Award
Chefs in America

Certified Food Service Sanitation
State of Illinois Dept. of Health

Certified Alcohol Server Knowledge
State of Illinois Dept A.T.F.

Confrerie de Chevaliers de Picon Knight
Maison Tarride Ledroit Bordeaux
Wine Societé, France

American Culinary Federation
Allied Member

Illinois Restaurant Assosiation
Associate Member

American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers
Member

Hospitality Network Association
Board Member