As Vice President of Culinary Development for Carino’s Italian, Chef Chris Peitersen (Chef Peit) oversees the menu research, ingredient sourcing, development, testing and implementation of all food and beverage items.  Since Chef Peitersen began overseeing the menu and wine list for Carino’s in 1999, Carino's has grown to over 150 restaurants while expanding its menu across the United States.  The Carino’s Italian menu has developed into a compilation of Italian classics and unique menu items that utilize bold and fresh ingredient flavor profiles.  Chef Peitersen was instrumental in opening Carino’s in the Middle East, developing and sourcing a menu for restaurants in Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. 

A 20-year veteran of the industry, Chef Peitersen is a member of the Research Chefs Association and holds a degree in Business Management from Colorado State University.  He is also a Certified Research Chef, a certification based on culinary knowledge and experience. Only 80 people in the United States have earned this distinction. Chef Peitersen has cooked professionally on four continents and has trained in Positano, Italy; Montalcino, Italy; and ongoing sessions at the Culinary Institute of America.  In October 2001, he was featured as Chain Leader Magazine’s ‘Toque of the Town’ and has appeared on numerous television and radio programs. 

Chef Peitersen is also very involved with the community by conducting wine dinners that have benefitted such charities as the Ronald McDonald House, teaching cooking classes at the Marbridge Foundation and local children's museums, and hosting Christmas parties with local area schools through the Capital Area Food Bank.