The Ferri Group Welcomes Michael Kalajian as Culinary Sales Associate
The Ferri Group announced today that Michael Kalajian has joined the team as Culinary Sales Associate. His addition strengthens The Ferri Group’s ability to provide manufacturers, dealers, consultants, and operators with hands-on culinary expertise and practical equipment solutions.
Kalajian brings more than 40 years of foodservice experience to the role. He spent 20 years as a chef in upscale New York City restaurants before transitioning into foodservice equipment sales, where he built another two decades of industry experience through roles with Robot Coupe, US Foods, Restaurant Depot, and BFA Foodservice. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.
In his new role, Kalajian will demonstrate equipment for operators and dealers while helping dealer partners better understand The Ferri Group’s manufacturers, equipment capabilities, and applications so they can identify the right solutions for their customers.
“Michael’s background as a chef and his years on the equipment sales side give him a rare ability to speak the language of both operators and dealers,” said Joe Louis Ferri, Principal of The Ferri Group. “As automation and robotics continue to play a larger role in foodservice, that real-world culinary experience is especially valuable. Michael understands the challenges operators are trying to solve and can help connect them with solutions that reduce labor demands, improve consistency, and create greater efficiency in the kitchen.”
Kalajian believes his experience on both sides of the industry, in the kitchen and in equipment sales, shapes how he approaches every customer conversation.
“That experience has prepared me to work with dealers to best serve their customers with solutions for their foodservice applications and needs,” Kalajian explained.
He is focused on bringing measurable value to every part of The Ferri Group’s business.
“For customers, I want to bring more efficient, faster, and cost-effective ways to handle processes they have done for years, helping reduce labor costs and address the challenge of finding trained chefs and cooks,” Kalajian said.
After four decades in the industry, Kalajian said what continues to motivate him is the opportunity to stay current and help customers succeed.
“What excites me is staying on top of new trends and helping customers achieve their vision for a successful operation,” said Kalajian. “At the end of the day, I want customers, dealers, and factories to feel they’ve benefited beyond their expectations.”
The addition of Kalajian further strengthens The Ferri Group’s ability to connect real-world culinary experience with the technologies shaping the future of foodservice, from traditional equipment to automation and robotics.