Continuing its initiative to foster strong connections with the culinary world, DoorDash has welcomed Chef Michael Solomonov as its third Chief Restaurant Advisor. This move follows the year-long tenures of renowned chefs Stephanie Izard and Pinky Cole in similar roles.

The Chief Restaurant Advisor program, an integral part of DoorDash’s strategy, allows for an infusion of operational insights from the restaurant industry into the company’s decision-making processes. In his capacity as Chief Restaurant Advisor, Solomonov will advocate for the specific needs of restaurants and maintain direct communication with operators in the industry.

“Collecting direct feedback from restaurant operators is critical to ensuring that DoorDash continues to remain grounded in real-time insights, concerns, and opportunities,” DoorDash stated in an official announcement.

Solomonov, a distinguished winner of the James Beard Foundation award, is also the co-owner of CookNSolo Restaurants. His culinary prowess is exemplified by his role as the chef at Zahav, a pioneering Philadelphia restaurant that showcases the diverse culinary landscape of Israel. Additionally, he oversees the operations of other notable establishments, including Federal Donuts, Dizengoff, Goldie, K’Far, and Laser Wolf across Philadelphia and New York City.

Throughout his one-year tenure, Solomonov will interact with various DoorDash teams to provide his invaluable insights into unreleased products and services. This engagement with the delivery giant will also involve fostering a culture of hospitality among DoorDash employees and directly connecting with restaurant operators across the nation to gain a comprehensive understanding of their perspectives.

Solomonov expressed his enthusiasm for the role, highlighting his partnership with DoorDash in the growth of restaurants like Federal Donuts and Goldie. “One of the aspects I’m most excited about is getting an inside look at how DoorDash makes decisions on behalf of its partners, and I’m not shying away from sharing what restaurant operators need,” he said.

Before handing over her responsibilities, Pinky Cole, the outgoing Chief Restaurant Advisor and Founder of Atlanta-based vegan chain Slutty Vegan, provided valuable advice to her successor. “DoorDash chose you for your unique perspective. If they’re asking you for your thoughts on something, never hesitate to speak your mind or share out-of-the-box ideas on how something could be improved,” Cole advised. “You’ll soon see how much employees at DoorDash truly appreciate the perspective of restaurant operators and the change we can help bring to our fellow restaurateurs.”

Through these strategic appointments and ongoing collaborations with culinary experts, DoorDash continues to strengthen its ties with the restaurant community, ensuring its services are aligned with the industry’s ever-evolving needs.