Globally celebrated chef and businessman Mark Gregory adds another prestigious achievement to his accolades with the Restaurant Association inducting the long-serving industry icon into its Hall of Fame for 2022.
Since 1992 the Restaurant Association has annually awarded the Hall of Fame induction to one individual who has made and continues to make an outstanding contribution to the hospitality industry.
In joining the Hall of Fame, Gregory is now in the company of industry greats including the godfather of hospitality, Otto Groen; Fleur Sullivan; Michael Van de Elzen; Tony Astle; Simon Gault, Judith Tabron and many others.
“We’re thrilled to recognise Mark for his remarkable career throughout which he has not only built many successful businesses both within hospitality and elsewhere, but also consistently and generously given back to the community,” says Marisa Bidois, Restaurant Association CEO. She notes that inductions are bestowed on outstanding industry personalities who have made substantial contributions to the industry through their businesses and wider involvement and influence in hospitality and broader society.
Gregory’s achievements are considerable. In the kitchen, he was named New Zealand Chef of the Year in 1986 and 1987, before an international stint which saw him win the British Chef of the Year 1988. By 1996, Gregory was awarded a Master of Culinary Arts by the Royal Academy – a first for a New Zealander – and earned Meilleur Ouvrier (Master Craftsman) status in France. He has worked in prominent establishments across Europe and the United Kingdom over the course of two decades, including nine years as Executive Chef at London’s luxury One Aldwych hotel. Gregory has founded multiple successful restaurants including Its’u in London. He returned to New Zealand from his international sojourn in 2007.
Demonstrating breadth of talent, it isn’t only in the kitchen where Gregory kept things cooking; he is a director of Eveve, a provider of restaurant management software, online booking system Restaurant Hub, and the owner of Le Chef-brand clothing. A published author and frequent culinary judge, Gregory consultants to others in the industry seeking insight from his vast knowledge and experience with clients including Lion, Cookie Time and Kenwood Delonghi.
One of his proudest achievements, however, is founding the DINEAID charity, which helps the New Zealand hospitality community collectively raise funds for City Missions ahead of Christmas. As the holidays approach, participating restaurants invite a voluntary DINEAID $2 donation from patrons, with funds raised going to those in need at the most special time of year.
“From everyone at the Restaurant Association and on behalf of the industry, congratulations to Mark. He has earned his place in the Hall of Fame as a legendary contributor to the New Zealand hospitality scene, providing great food and experiences and positively impacting a broad cross section of society,” Bidois concludes.
