Cleetus Friedman
Born into a Jewish family, Cleetus Friedman was born to cook and entertain. Raised by his mother, a baker and regular entertainer for family and friends, it was Karren Friedman who forced Cleetus to get a job at the age of 15.
Cleetus started his career in the food & beverage world as a busboy and continued to work his way through the industry, spending time with everything from short order kitchens to full service and fine dining restaurants, surrounding himself with talented industry people, and developing his skills both in front and back of the house. Throughout college at the University of Maryland, Cleetus assisted in the growth of the Silver Diner by running the kitchen, front of the house, and implementing company wide training systems. In 1995 he moved to Chicago to develop catering programs for Spoonful, Caffe Baci, and Heaven on Seven. In 2008, Cleetus opened City Provisions with the mission to connect community with food. As a premier catering company, and in 2010 a full service delicatessen, he became a trailblazer in support of the local food movement. The 2010 Local Beet “Restaurant of the Year,” Chicago Magazine’s “Best Brunch,” and ChiTown on Tap’s “Food Industry Professional Doing Most For Craft Beer” are only a few of the many accolades Cleetus has received. As Executive Chef of Fountainhead, Cleetus has the opportunity to combine all of his passions for food and drink under one roof…and on top of one, as well. |