Experience
2026 - Present
Chef/Owner
Heyday CookshopNaples, FL
2024 - Present
Chef/Owner
Thank You KindlyNaples, FL
2023 - Present
Chef/Owner
Bicyclette CookshopNaples, FL
2021 - 2023
Executive Chef
Bar Tulia MercatoNaples, FL
2017 - 2023
Executive Chef
The FrenchNaples, FL
2015 - 2016
Line Cook
The DutchNew York, NY
Education
2016
Culinary Arts
The Culinary Institute of AmericaHyde Park, NY
Advice from Kayla Pfeiffer
Quotes about career path, skills, and teamwork from an industry leader.
I find inspiration through travel, conversations, music, Florida’s ecosystems, local farms and fisheries, old memories, and honestly paying attention to small things people overlook.
I'm still learning to manage burnout.
Owning restaurants makes balance difficult, but spending time outside, going for runs, listening to music, traveling, and disconnecting from service, even for short moments, helps reset me.
I keep my team motivated by creating an environment where curiosity is encouraged.
I want people to ask questions, share ideas, make mistakes, and feel ownership over what they do. Treat it like your own, and one day it mentally will be.
Stop thinking you have to prove yourself through exhaustion alone.
Working hard matters, but learning how to build sustainable systems and relationships matters too.
Lead with intention and transparency.
The industry is changing, and people want honesty, growth, and connection, not just hierarchy.
Roles in Culinary
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