Robert Black

Robert Black began his foodservice career at the age of 18, in Ithaca, New York, working in the college town’s Italian restaurants, where he first formed a love for cooking and the restaurant experience.  After returning to his home state of Oklahoma in 1998, Robert worked at The Metro Wine Bar & Bistro where he worked his way up to Chef de Cuisine, at the same time earning a position as Food Cost Director for Restaurant Resource Group.

Robert went on to receive formal training from The Coach House’s French apprenticeship program, under the tutelage of Chef Kurt Fleischfresser.  After graduating, he served for five years as Executive Chef and Partner of the Museum Café.  In his most recent industry experience, Robert served as Vice President of Operations and Partner for A Good Egg Dining Group, which operates Cheever’s Café, Iron Star Urban BBQ, RED PrimeSteak, Republic Gastropub, Performance Sports Nutrition, Tucker’s Onion Burgers, The Drake, Barrios, and Kitchen no. 324 in Oklahoma City.

Throughout his career, Robert has been involved with numerous industry organizations such as, The International Wine & Food Society, The Made in Oklahoma Coalition, The Southern United States Trade Association, and la Chaine des Rotisseurs.  Robert is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, and has served in the past on The Board of Trustees for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Foodservice Committee for Made in Oklahoma Coalition, and the International Resources Committee for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.   Robert is active in the local and national ProStart community, which seeks to bridge the gap between industry and students.

In his spare time, Robert loves woodworking and can often be found in his shop creating unique cutting boards and furniture. He enjoys traveling and eating with his wife and Spring Board partner Lori, raising two children and two "bonus" children, and keeping up their three dogs, three cats and a bird.

Contact Robert at robert@springboardok.com