Confessions of Jason Giagrande

Jason Giagrande cherishes his staff and wants to be able to swim better.

Jason Giagrande, director of foodservice operations and events for Flik at NBC Universal in New York, is addicted to Vita Coco, hates flying and wishes he could learn to relax.

What is the best part about your job?

It gives me the chance to make an impact on thousands of people by creating the perfect experience.

What is the worst part about your job?

The hours.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

My staff and the relationship I have with them.

What is the most unusual foodservice/catering request you have ever received?

We support the props departments for many shows, so every day there is an unusual request. Most recently we had a request to build a wall of Jell-O for an actor to go flying through.

If you weren’t in foodservice what would you be doing?

Some type of business development or operations work.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I’d like to be able to swim better. This would be followed by a boat purchase.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would like to be able to relax.

What is your greatest fear?

Flying. I do it often, but I’m definitely not a fan.

Which living person do you most admire?

Rick Post, CEO of Contract Services for Compass Group North America. He has thousands of people who work for him, yet he manages to make those people feel as though they are one of ten.

What is your favorite meal?

Anything my mother cooks.

What will people always find in your refrigerator?

Vita Coco coconut water. I am addicted to it.

What do you consider to be the most overrated foodservice trend?

“Shock value.” There are a lot establishments that try to do something purely for shock value rather than putting out a great product.

What are your words to live by?

I have to quote Bernard Arnault, "The key to success is this duality—timelessness and the utmost modernity.”

Related Terms: B&I, Director